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‘Mehar’ which means dowry in the Islamic tradition is an important Right of a wife in Islam, which becomes the responsibility of the husband to pay, soon after the Marriage, even if it is not mentioned in writing. It is one of the 7th essential conditions for a valid Marriage. It means that although at the time of solemnization of Marriage, Mehar may not have been specifically fixed, still it will be presumed that it has been agreed to be paid. It is an essential aspect, and it is assumed that there is an intention on the part of the bridegroom to pay Mehar and intention on the part of the bride to receive it. A Marriage becomes annulled if the couple foregoes it, whatsoever it should be paid by the bridegroom and demanded by the bride. In Islam, Marriage is a contract and Mehar is the name of that ‘Right’ which a wife gets from her husband. Qur’an says:

“Pay off the dowry of women willingly” (Verse No.4, Surah al Nisa)


My question how much it should be? I heard or read that it should be groom's 3 salries. pls correct me if I am wrong.

Yes you are wrong. Mehar can be any amount decided by the bride. And the groom is obligated to pay that. Could be anything from billions to a few dates or even few verses from the quran.

No such thing as a three salary thing. What if the man is self employed ?

Yeah it doen't have speicific amount. It depends on cultures, families and other factors. At least in Iran it depends on bride's and groom's family agreement.

I can say nowadays for openminded and educated families in Iran, it's getting very slight amount. cause there is an idea it's like selling the bride and they don't approve it.and as I know it is different from dowry.

Mehars is the bride property and she can do whatever she wants to do with it, no questions asked, and she has full right to demand what ever she wants.

And yes dowry and mehar are two different things

Agree with what the posters above have said.

I just want to re-emphasise that the marriage contract is one that is drawn up by the woman, and it is the lady's side that sets the Mehar - but with consultation with the groom.


The Mehar is effectively a pre-nup agreement on money that the groom has to make available to the bride. This does not have to be paid up front, but it is the brides' right. The bride has full control over it and can choose to just keep it, spend it on herself or even spend it on the family home etc.

How it is given and how much depends on cultures, practices and means. Jewellry is normally part of the Mehar.

Should a divorce take place, and the Mehar is still outstanding - this has to be paid over to the bride.


Anyway - there is no fixed amount and you should consult with the Imam in your region about what is recommended/practiced in the society that the marriage is taking place, and the Mehar should be in proportion to the means of the groom (and bride).

Cheers,
Shafique