Definition & Ruling

**Linguistic Definition:** Derived from "sidq" (truthfulness) - the opposite of lying. **Technical Definition:** The wealth that becomes obligatory upon the husband to pay to his wife due to the marriage contract. The mahr is called "sadaq" (truthfulness) because it indicates the sincerity of the giver's desire in marriage. It is also called: mahr, nihlah (gift), and 'aqr. --- **Legality:** The basis for the legality of mahr is the Quran, Sunnah, and Consensus - as will be explained in the ruling. --- **Ruling:** The husband must pay the mahr upon completion of the contract, and it cannot be waived. **Evidence from the Quran:** - Allah says: "And give the women their due compensation as an obligation" [An-Nisa: 4] - Allah says: "So for whatever you enjoy from them, give them their due compensation as an obligation" [An-Nisa: 24] - Allah says: "There is no blame upon you if you divorce women you have not touched nor specified for them an obligation" [Al-Baqarah: 236] **Evidence from the Sunnah:** - Sahl ibn Sa'd رضي الله عنه reported that a woman came to the Prophet ﷺ and said: "I have given myself to Allah and His Messenger." He said: "I have no need for women." A man said: "Marry her to me." He said: "Give her a garment..." [Bukhari & Muslim] - Anas ibn Malik رضي الله عنه reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ saw traces of yellow perfume on Abdur-Rahman ibn Awf. The Prophet ﷺ asked: "What is this?" He said: "O Messenger of Allah, I have married a woman." He asked: "What did you give her as mahr?" He said: "A gold piece weighing a date stone." He said: "May Allah bless you. Give a wedding feast even if with one sheep" [Bukhari & Muslim] **Consensus:** Muslims have unanimously agreed on the legality of mahr in marriage.