Obligation of husband giving Mahr

Q 1: A man here in Kashmir has to spend huge sums of money on his daughter’s wedding; he has to give gifts, home appliances, and a car or a refrigerator, for example, to the groom, based on what they ask for. These have become almost a custom. The father also has to willingly give him jewelry and expensive clothes sometimes, and bear the costs of the wedding, which can amount to hundreds of thousands of Rupees. This man may also face problems if he does not offer these requirements, as engagement or marriage break-up. The question is: Can the money spent on a daughter's wedding be deducted from her share in the inheritance, and is it lawful for a woman's share in inheritance to be relinquished?

A: In marriage contract, it is obligatory for the Mahr (mandatory gift to a bride from her groom) to be paid by the husband, as Allah addresses husbands saying: And give to the women (whom you marry) their Mahr (obligatory bridal-money given by the husband to his wife at the time of marriage) with a good heart; but if they, of their own good pleasure, remit any part of it to you, take it, and enjoy it without fear of any harm (as Allâh has made it lawful). (Part No. 19; Page No. 35) Allah also says: ...so with those of whom you have enjoyed sexual relations, give them their Mahr as prescribed Anything paid by the bride’s family to their daughter’s groom comes under the heading of gifts to incline his heart to her, and it is not an obligation. It is not permissible to calculate this expenditure as part of her inheritance from the testator who paid for these gifts when he dies, unless she willingly agrees to it, according to the saying of the Prophet (peace be upon him), “The property of a Muslim is not Halal (lawful), unless they give it willingly.” May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.