Who is lawfully responsible for paying the deferred dowry to the wife if the husband dies and leaves no inheritance or money?
The deferred dower (mu'akhkhar al-sadaq) is a debt owed by the husband. If the deceased does not leave behind enough to cover his debt, it is commendable for his heirs to pay it on his behalf. Many scholars are of the opinion that the debt of an insolvent deceased person should be paid from the Muslim treasury (Bayt al-Mal); based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "I am more entitled to the believers than their own selves. So, if any believer dies and leaves behind a debt, then its repayment is my responsibility, and if he leaves behind wealth, then it is for his heirs." However, if there is no organized Muslim treasury, then the wife receives nothing.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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