Chieftain collecting money to help the husband

Q: When someone gets married, the chieftain collects 100 Riyals from every married man of the tribe. He writes the names of people who paid the 100 Riyals in a record and gives it to the groom. The money may reach around 14,000 Riyals or more. One of its negative aspects is that it has to be collected from all the people of the tribe even those who live in Riyadh, Tabuk, Abha and all areas of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. All the men of the tribe have to participate in it even if they will not attend the wedding ceremony, in which case their relatives are obliged to pay it on their behalf. If someone does not pay it, the chieftain and his supporters force him to pay it. This financial assistance is often given to the groom with two or three thousands Riyals missing. Some people call for this habit to be stopped. Other people who have not benefited from it yet want it to continue. This has caused tumult in the tribe. One of its positive aspects is that it helps the groom to cover the marriage costs. We would like to know from your Eminence whether this habit is a good habit and if we should keep it, or if it is not so that we may avoid it? We appreciate your advice.

(Part No. 19; Page No. 142) A: Cooperation among the members of the tribe is good and praiseworthy practice; especially when helping each other in occasions such as marriage and the like. However, the financial assistance should not be obligatory; it should to be optional or in the form of donations according to the saying of the Prophet (peace be upon him): “The property of a Muslim is unlawful (to take), unless (he gives it) willingly.” May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.