Must the husband pay his wife the deferred dower upon her request during his lifetime, without divorce or death, and what is the ruling if he refuses?

It is permissible to expedite the dower or to defer all or part of it. The wife is entitled to the full dower upon consummation of the marriage or a valid private seclusion.

The deferred dower is a debt owed by the husband and a right for the wife upon him. Its collection refers back to the condition stipulated in the contract or the prevailing custom.

If a specific term is stipulated in the contract, the husband must fulfill it upon the arrival of the term without procrastination.

If no term is specified, it becomes due upon separation (divorce or the death of one of the spouses). It is a debt upon the husband, to be taken from his estate if he dies before the wife, or for her heirs if she dies before him.

This deferment is valid, whether explicitly stated or by common practice.

The wife should consider her husband's situation (his ease and hardship) and not demand it if he is in hardship or unwilling, unless she is in urgent need.

The husband must fulfill the wife's right completely and without diminution, especially if he sees her need for it, even if its due date has not yet arrived, in accordance with the saying of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him: "The best among you is the one who is best in paying off debts," and "Indeed, the most deserving of conditions to be fulfilled are those by which you made permissible sexual relations."