Islamic Teachings on Ideal Family Life — Page 23
~ 23 ~ (The Holy Qur’ ā n 4:25) So, whatever Mahr is fixed, it must be paid to the bride but if the bride does not take it or she returns it to the husband, he can enjoy that with pleasure. However, it must be understood that the man has no right or authority to force the wife to forfeit the dowry. He should not ask her to do so. Dowry is always at the disposal of the bride. She has every right to benefit from it. Limit of Dowry (Mahr) According to the Isl ā mic law, there is no limit for dowry. It should remain within reasonable limits. It should not be so insignificant that the people should take it as a joke, nor it should be so high that it becomes burdensome upon the man. In A ḥ madiyya Muslim community, it is usually fixed between six months to one year’s worth of the income of the husband. Guardian (Wal ī ) A guardian represents the bride throughout her wedding arrangements and proceedings. In Isl ā mic terminology that guardian is called “Wal ī. ” For guardian of the bride first priority is always the father, and in his absence the authority goes to the brother, and so on. Authority of the guardian means that he would be helping the girl throughout her marriage and after marriage, if help is needed. He should help the girl in getting a suitable person to marry, he should supervise the marriage arrangements and represent her in the marriage (Nik āḥ ) ceremony. Consent of Bride for Marriage According to the Isl ā mic law, the guardian must have the consent of the bride, and with the approval of the bride