Where is the bride's dowry in the customary agreements in Upper Egypt, which include the payment of sums of money (such as "al-Hatat" and "al-Asha'"), writing a list, and buying gold that the groom often reclaims and sells?

The dowry is not a condition for the validity of marriage. It is permissible for it to be paid in advance, deferred, or a combination of both. A dowry is defined as any agreed-upon financial compensation paid by the husband before or at the time of the marriage contract, whether it be cash, gold, furnishings, or clothing, paid in advance or deferred, provided that it is not unknown or contains excessive uncertainty (gharar). If the wife furnishes herself with part of her dowry, the husband is permitted to use her furnishings. It is not permissible for the husband to take anything from the wife's dowry unless she willingly relinquishes it.