Question:
Salam Alaikum
I want to know about mehar concept and how it is calculated? Is it true that a husband commits a sin if he does not pay the mehar immediately after marriage?
Answer:
Essalamu `Alaikum,
Mahr is a dowry paid by the groom to the bride at the time of marriage and it is a gift she possesses and may spend as she likes. Allah swt said:
And give the women (on marriage) their dower as a free gift; but if they, of their own good pleasure, remit any part of it to you, Take it and enjoy it with right good cheer. (an-Nisa, 4:4)
There are two mahrs involved in every marriage contract. Mahr Mu’ajjal and Mahr Mu’akhkhar. Mahr Mu’ajjal is to be paid at the time of Nikah (It’s usually in a form of jewelry) and Mahr Mu’akhkhar is to be paid in case of divorce.
The amount is up to the bride and groom.
Imam Senad Agic
The Islamic Cultural Center of Greater Chicago
The Islamic Cultural Center of Greater Chicago
