And he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The best of mahrs is the simplest (or most affordable).” Narrated by al-Haakim and al-Bayhaqi, classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 3279.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) set the highest example for his Ummah in that regard, so that a clear understanding of the basic principles would be implanted in society, and a spirit of simplicity would spread among the people.
Abu Dawood (2125) and al-Nasaa’i (3375) narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas that ‘Ali said: “I married Faatimah (may Allaah be pleased with her) and said: ‘O Messenger of Allaah, let me go ahead with the marriage.’ He said: ‘Give her something.’ I said: ‘I do not have anything.’ He said: ‘Where is your Hutami shield?’ I said, ‘I have it with me.’ He said, ‘Give it to her.’” Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Nasaa’i, 3160.
This was the Mahr of Faatimah, the daughter of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), the leader of the women of Paradise. This reinforces the fact that in Islam, the Mahr is not something that is sought for its own sake, and it should not serve as purpose of trade between two families where bride's family can demand huge amount of Mahr only to sought security of her daughter. There have been innumerable incidents mostly in Asian Muslim countries especially in Kashmir when bride's parents in advance demand hefty amount for Mahr In case anything wrong within her in-laws after marriage, bride simply take all the amount and leave her husband and in-laws then fill divorce sheet and grasp the entire amount of Mahr and left groom in deep sadness, regret and in a state of desolation.
The amount of Mahr is to be taken in a simpler way as financial security for the bride In case of a divorce or death of a husband. But we as Muslims have complicated the Islamic rulings about it. Heavy amounts are being demanded from the bride’s side. This has not only led to a financial burden on the husband, but it also delays their decision to marry-until the time that they cannot afford Mahr. This problem needs to be tackled and we need to understand the true meaning and virtues of Mahr. Parents need to be more understanding and realize that demanding light and easy Mahr is for the long-term happiness of their Nikah.
Ibn Maajah (1887) narrated that ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab said: “Do not go to extremes with regard to the dowries of women, for if that were a sign of honour and dignity in this world or a sign of piety before Allaah, then Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) would have done that before you. But he did not give any of his wives, and none of his daughters were given, more than twelve uqiyah. A man may increase the dowry until he feels resentment against her and says, ‘You cost me everything I own, and caused me a great deal of hardship’.” Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Ibn Maajah, 1532.
“Do not go to extremes” means do not exaggerate in increasing the Mahr. “A man may increase the dowry until he feels resentment against her” means, until he begins to hate her when he is still paying off the debts incurred because of this mahr because it is too hard for him, or whenever he thinks about the matter.
From Haashiyat al-Sindi ‘ala Ibn Maajah.
Twelve Uqiyah is equivalent to 480 Dirhams, i.e., approximately 135 silver riyals (134.4). This was the Mahr of the daughters and wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).
Shaykh al-Islam [Ibn Taymiyah] said in Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 32/194:
Whoever thinks of increasing his daughter’s Mahr and asking for more than the daughters of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) were given – when they were the best women in this world in all aspects – is an ignorant fool. The same applies to asking for more than the Mothers of the Believers were given. This applies even if one is well off and can afford it. With regard to one who is poor, he should not give a Mahr greater than he can afford to pay without any hardship.
In one Hadith, Allah’s Messenger, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said,
“The best of marriages is the easiest.” as-Sahihah no. 1842]
So, we see that Islam emphasizes to make Mahr easy and simple for the benefit and happiness of both the bride and the groom.
Even if a husband cannot afford the amount in Mahr or does not have even a small material thing to gift, in that case also, Mahr can be given in some other form.
In one Hadith, Prophet allowed a man who had no money or no ring to marry a woman in exchange for the Surahs of Qur’an that he had memorized. The benefit behind it the Surahs that the husband had memorized, he could pass on that knowledge to his wife. This would be his to gift to her in kind.
Allah’s Messenger, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said,
” Go have her as wife. I marry her to you for the portion of the Qur’an that you memorized.” al-Bukhari, Muslims and others
Hence it is clear that what people do nowadays, asking to increase the mahr and exaggerating concerning it, is something that goes against the sharee’ah.
The wisdom behind reducing the Mahr and not increasing it is quote clear:
This makes it easier for people to get married, so that they will not be diverted from it, which will result in all kinds of moral and social corruption.
Thus, the Islamic ruling about Mahr is very delicate and yet simple. One only needs to understand. (Concluded)

Email:--------------ibrahimajazz@outlook.in