Domestic Issues and Their Solutions — Page 176
176 times it is demanded that the gifts exchanged at the time of marriage are returned. Such demands of return of gifts is a common complaint in matrimonial grievances. The Holy Qur’an establishes women’s rights and goes on to saf eguard these rights like no other religion. Allah the Exalted states that all these instances are forbidden and are tantamount to depriving women of their rights. As I said earlier, women have the right to re - marry, with their choice, after divorce or deat h of the husband. As the marriage ceremony of nikah cannot be officiated without a wali (guardian) for the woman, in instances where impediments are created, a woman can request the Khalifa of the time to intervene. If the case is genuine then the Khalifa of the time can himself become the wali, or appoint a wali or a wakeel. Establishing the rights of women, Allah the Exalted states in the verse, ۚ ِ و َ عَاشِرُّوۡہُّن ََ بِالۡمَعۡرُّوۡف ‘… and consort with them in kindness…’ (4:20). Treat them well, do not look for excuses to be malicious and unkind to them, do not desire their property or whatever you have given them. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessi ngs of Allah be on him) said: ِٖ ل ر ًلَِہ ر ُّکُّم َۡیر خ ر کُّم ُّ َۡیر خ