Can a woman recover her marriage expenses, and is the dowry (Mahr) that was not handed over considered a debt owed by the husband, especially since he did not prepare her [for marriage] or pay for her travel tickets, nor did he write down the deferred dowry (Mu'akhar as-Sadaq), in addition to not paying a debt to her family, and is it permissible for the wife to take her right given his refusal to pay, claiming that the money in the bank is allocated for the upcoming baby?
If a husband breaks his promise and does not pay the dower or settle the debt, this is forbidden injustice. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, warned against oppressing women, saying: "O Allah, I declare inviolable the rights of the two weak ones: the orphan and the woman." The dower is a right of the wife that must be paid with a good heart. Allah Almighty says: "And give women their dowries as a free gift." Procrastination in settling a debt is injustice, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "The delay of a rich person (in paying his debt) is injustice." It is not permissible to take a person's money unless it is given willingly. And whoever consumes people's wealth unjustly, his body is more deserving of the Fire.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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