Is a girl entitled to object to her father’s request for an expensive dowry from the suitor, if she has agreed to the suitor?
A guardian is not permitted to prevent his ward from marrying a suitable match whom she has accepted. If his prevention is proven to be without a legitimate শরعي (Shari'ah-compliant) excuse, the guardianship transfers to the next in line. If all guardians refuse, the Sultan (ruler) shall arrange her marriage.
Reducing and facilitating dowries is a Prophetic . If the woman and her guardian differ regarding the dowry, the reference point is the dowry of her peers (mahr al-mithl). If she agrees to the dowry of her peers, and he desires an increase beyond it, his opinion is not considered. However, if he desires the dowry of her peers, and she desires less than it, his opinion is given consideration.
The guardian should consider the woman's best interest in marrying a man of religion and good character, even if the dowry is less than the dowry of her peers. He is not permitted to object or exaggerate the dowry.
A piece of advice for the woman is to mediate through her mother, or for the husband to involve some people of good will to convince the guardian. If the father refuses, a piece of advice for the husband is to bear the requested increase if it is a deferred dowry (mu'akhkhar), and the woman can later waive it.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Original fatwa ID
- 5614
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- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy