How does western women find the concept of Mahr in Islam?

Question

I consider it as a social security for women.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahr

Answer 1

considering how easy it is for a man to divorce a woman in islam, i think it's the least he could do

i find the whole concept of islam bizarre

Answer 2

looks like advance payment for prostitution or s*x.  the merits or demerits of the lady in a family life is not assessed and payment is already made up front.  for what?

Answer 3

Sounds very interesting. It's surprising that in such a sexist religion, there is actually concern for the welfare of the wife.

Answer 4

I don't like the idea of dowries really... I mean, it's like good but then people can take it too far and the dowry becomes the focus and the prize not the bride

Like in some places where they kill baby girls to avoid having to give dowries if the family is poor

I like the idea of proving merit, but it shouldn't all be on the male both people should contribute

Answer 5

I consider it as a gift from the groom to the bride; speaking of that none of mine was never paid to my daddy.  Despite my name I'm a full blooded western woman.  It's not the same thing as a social security check; it's a one time thing when a man and a woman get married in Islam.

Answer 6

Actually, social security for women is called "Social Security" since women are human beings and citizens, and not dependent upon arbitrary religious customs.

Answer 7

I just learn a thing or two bout Mahr. It is actually a guarantee from the groom's behalf for that he can take care of his wife once they get married. A mahr is a wajib (must do) for if someone can't even pay as much as mahr (which is commonly below 100$), it shows the financial status of the man to be relatively poor and could save the bride from making the biggest mistake of her life. I think that's what you meant, right?

Answer 8

Social Security??? I'm not understanding your meaning.

It isnt a brides price, father of the bride gets that.....it sounds like the western tradition of the bride and groom giving each other gifts..