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even though there is a mutual consent. The proclamation of a properly
performed and publicly announced marriage is to make it generally
known that this ceremony has taken place. Therefore, Islam always
encourages people to celebrate a marriage publicly as Abd Al-RahmIn
0
bin IAUf says : "The Prophet said to me, give a wedding banquet, even
with one sheep. " 1
Dowry in Islam
In general, Islam approved of the dowry which was an existing
custom among Arabs. Every marriage contract must include a dowry
(money paid to the wife by the husband).
Also:
"And give the women (on marriage) their dowry as
a free gift.,, 2
"Except for these (the prohibited women). all others
are lawful, provided ye seek (them In marriage) with
gifts from your property, desiring chastity, not
lust. Seeing, that ye derive benefit from them, give them
their dowries (at least) as prescribed. " 3
Dowry has many names : it is called al-Sad9q, I
al-Nihlah, and
4
al-Fari da. It is not a bride price, but it is paid as a toekn
0
of the husband's sincerity. and ability to look after the woman and
be responsible for her and the children as well. As it was stated
that "Allah has decreed dowry as a necessary present from the man
to his wife, and it is not a price to be paid in exchange for a
merchandise or a pay for her service. It 5
Islam has made dowry the man's
duty because all marital financial duties are the man's responsibility
and dowry is no exception. Nobody can exempt the husband from paying
the dowry to his wife because it is a necessary condition for valid
marriage.
1. Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 7. OP. Cit.. P. 70
2, Q. 4,4
1-
3. Q. 4,24
4. Tee Shihatah Abd Allah. Aj-Ma? ahf1' al-Isli7m B! ýA al-Mjaj wa al H; dir
I- Women in Islam between the past ana the presentis re
5. Ibid
89