FatwaFederal TerritoriesMarriage & Family
AL-KAFI #1395: HIKMAH DITETAPKAN MAS KAHWIN DALAM PERKAHWINAN
What is the wisdom behind Islam prescribing a dowry (mas kahwin) in marriage?
Short answer
The dowry is prescribed for several reasons. It shows the husband's sincerity in building a good household, helps the bride prepare for marriage needs, and expresses honour and appreciation for women.
A reference, not a fatwa. First sentence of the summary below — read the original fatwa and consult your state authority before acting.
- Authority
- Federal Territories Mufti Office
- Date
- Status
- Opinion (irsyad)
- Series
- Al-Kafi li al-Fatawi
- Topic
- Marriage & Family
No evidence of gazettement in the source — this is not a gazetted fatwa.
Summary
The dowry is prescribed for several reasons. It shows the husband's sincerity in building a good household, helps the bride prepare for marriage needs, and expresses honour and appreciation for women. According to al-Qaradawi, it is a gift given out of affection, not the price paid for a woman. The dowry may be small or large provided both parties agree, which is the view of the Shafi'i school and the majority of scholars.
Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.
Mas kahwin disyariatkan bagi menzahirkan keinginan bakal suami yang benar-benar menggauli isterinya dengan pergaulan yang baik dan membina rumahtangga yang mulia.
Read the full fatwa on the Federal Territories website (new tab)
How to cite
Cite the original fatwa and its authority. Rujuk Fatwa is only where you found it.
Federal Territories Mufti Office. “AL-KAFI #1395: HIKMAH DITETAPKAN MAS KAHWIN DALAM PERKAHWINAN”, 13 October 2019. https://muftiwp.gov.my/ms/artikel/al-kafi-li-al-fatawi/3736-al-kafi-1395-hikmah-ditetapkan-mas-kahwin-dalam-perkahwinan. Found via Rujuk Fatwa: https://rujukfatwa.com/en/fatwa/wisdom-of-dowry-in-islamic-marriage/