Woman Between Islam and Western Society
9. Dowry
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position in life. That is, it should never be more than
he is easily able to afford, whether it be a lump sum
in cash or some article of value. The jurists have
different views to offer on what the minimum
amount should be, but all are agreed that it should
be substantial enough for something to be bought
against it. Any amount which is sufficient for a
purchase is acceptable as dower.
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There are no traditions which encourage an increase
in the dower, whereas there are many traditions
which enjoin the fixing of smaller dowries. In all
such cases, Islam lays down guidelines rather than
issuing strict commandments. That is why Islam
has not totally forbidden any increase in the dowry,
and it is left to tradition to carry on the principle of
fixing smaller sums. There is a well known saying
of the Prophet Muhammad, according to ‘Abdullah
ibn ‘Abbas, that “the best woman is one whose
dower is the easiest to pay.”
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Another saying refers to such a bride as “the most
blessed woman.”
13
“The state of blessedness,”
according to a third saying, resides in “her being
easy to deal with and taking less dowry.”
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