Mahr and Dowry are terms often associated with Islamic marriages and the terms are often used interchangeably. It is important to understand that Mahr and Dowry are not actually the same.
- Mahr (or Mehr). Mahr is a mandatory gift given by the groom to the bride at the time of marriage. In Islamic law, it is a requirement of the marriage contract and is considered the bride’s security and guarantee of freedom within the marriage.
- Dowry. Dowry is a practice often seen in South Asian cultures, where a bride’s family provides gifts, money, or property to the groom’s family as part of the marriage agreement. This practice is not mandated by Islamic law and is considered separate from the concept of Mahr.
The similarity is that both involve the transfer of assets during a marriage however the key differences are the significance, purpose and recipient of the assets.
Interestingly, dowry is illegal in some countries and the practice has been heavily criticised as it could mean getting into debt to meet dowry expectations. Mahr, on the other hand, is a religious obligation in Islam and is seen as a right of the wife.
If you would like advice on any of the issues raised in this article, please contact Irrum Shah, Solicitor in our Family Law Department on 01295 204154, or by email at ishah@se-solicitors.co.uk
