What Is the Mahr in Islam? Meaning, Amount and Payment
Short answer. The mahr (also: mehr) is a gift from the man to the woman at marriage. The mahr belongs to her. There is no fixed amount. You agree together on how much it is and when it's given.
What is the mahr?
The Quran (4:4) says you must give women their mahr "with a good heart." The mahr is a gift for the bride herself. It isn't for her family. The mahr belongs to the Islamic marriage (nikkah). Read what else you need here: Conditions for an Islamic marriage
Who does the mahr belong to?
The mahr belongs to the woman. Her father or anyone else may not take it without her consent. She herself may give part of it away to her husband.
How much should the mahr be?
There is no fixed amount. Even something small is allowed. In Sahih al-Bukhari 5135, the Prophet (peace be upon him) tells a man with little money: "Look for something, even if it's an iron ring." The marriage was concluded with what the man knew of the Quran.
You choose a fitting amount together. Think about this:
- What can the man afford?
- What matters to the woman?
- What is customary in your families?
When do you pay the mahr?
This can be done in three ways: immediately, later, or partly immediately and partly later. You agree it together. A part that comes later remains a debt owed by the man. Is no moment agreed? Then he must pay it if you separate, or after his death, from his estate.
What if nothing is agreed?
Some people say the nikkah without a mahr isn't valid. That isn't correct. According to most scholars, the nikkah is also valid if the mahr isn't mentioned. The woman then has the right to a fitting mahr (see Sunan Abi Dawud 2117).
Writing down the agreement
Discuss the mahr before the nikkah. Write down what you agree: how much, what comes immediately, what comes later and when. Then everyone knows where they stand.
Capture your nikkah beautifully
Example from the collection: Nour's BondA Zawajshop nikkah certificate has your names and date. Write the mahr down separately. The certificate is a beautiful keepsake, not an official record.
Browse nikkah certificatesFrequently asked questions
Who receives the mahr?
Only the bride. Her father or family may not take it without her consent.
Do you have to give a mahr?
The mahr is a right of the bride and belongs to the marriage. If nothing is agreed, she has the right to a fitting mahr.
Can the mahr be something other than money?
Yes. In the hadith of the iron ring, a man gave what he knew of the Quran (Sahih al-Bukhari 5135). Ask a scholar what fits your situation.
What is the difference between mahr and mehr?
There is no difference. Mehr is a different spelling. In English you also say bridal gift or dower.
Settle the mahr and capture the day beautifully
Choose a certificate with your names and date.
Sources: Islam Q&A, answer 2378, 111127, 131069 and 32716; Sahih al-Bukhari 5135; Sunan Abi Dawud 2117. Scholars do not agree on every detail. This is an explanation in plain language. It is not a fatwa and not legal advice.