Mahr
مهر
Pronunciation: MEHR
The obligatory bridal gift in Islamic marriage — a financial right of the wife, due from the husband.
Definition
An obligatory financial gift from the husband to the wife in an Islamic marriage, prescribed by the Quran (4:4). The mahr is the wife's exclusive property and may take the form of cash, gold, real estate, or any other agreed-upon asset. It is typically split into two components: the prompt mahr (muqaddam), due at the marriage contract, and the deferred mahr (mu'akhkhar), due on divorce or the husband's death.
Civil courts treat the mahr as an ordinary contractual term and apply local contract law — which is why a vaguely drafted nikah-based mahr is often unenforceable. A properly drafted Islamic prenup documents the mahr in specific dollar amounts and execution-compliant language.
Related Terms
Nikahنكاح
The Islamic marriage contract — verbal or written, requiring offer, acceptance, and witnesses.
Iddahعدة
The post-divorce (or post-widowhood) waiting period during which the wife is entitled to maintenance.
Khulaخلع
Wife-initiated divorce in Islamic law, typically involving the return of mahr.
Talaqطلاق
Husband-initiated divorce in Islamic law.
Faraidفرائض
Islamic inheritance law prescribing fixed shares for heirs based on Quranic guidelines.
Nafaqahنفقة
The husband's Islamic obligation to financially maintain his wife and household.
Walimaوليمة
The marriage feast in Islam — a recommended celebration hosted after the nikah.
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Mahr (مهر) — The obligatory bridal gift in Islamic marriage — a financial right of the wife, due from the husband. An obligatory financial gift from the husband to the wife in an Islamic marriage, prescribed by the Quran (4:4). The mahr is the wife's exclusive property and may take the form of cash, gold, real estate, or any other agreed-upon asset.
- The obligatory bridal gift in Islamic marriage — a financial right of the wife, due from the husband.
- Category: Contracts
- Related: Nikah, Iddah, Khula, Talaq, Faraid, Nafaqah, Walima
- Compare related Shariah-compliant products on HalalWallet
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Reviewed by: HalalWallet Editorial Team
Last reviewed: 2026-07-01
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