The financial obligation is not put on women shoulder - It is put on the shoulder of the man in the family. It is the duty of the father or the brother, before she is married and the duty of the husband or the son, after she is married to look after her lodging, boarding, clothing and financial aspects of her. When she gets married, she is on the receiving end. She receives a gift - she receives a dower or a marital gift, which is called as ‘Meher’. And it is mentioned in the Qur’an in Surah Nisa, Ch.4 Verse No.4 which says
‘Give to the woman in dower, a marital gift’
For a marriage to solemnize in Islam, ‘Meher’ is compulsory. But unfortunately in our Muslim society here, we just keep a nominal ‘Meher’ to satisfy the Qur’an, say 151 Rupees, or some people give 786 Rupees and they spend lakhs and lakhs of Rupees on the reception, on the decoration, on the flowers, on the lunch parties, on the dinner parties.
In Islam, there is no - there is no lower-limit, nor is there an upper limit for ‘Meher ’ - But when a person can spend lakhs of Rupees on the reception, surely the ‘Meher ’ should be much more. There are various cultures which have crept into the Muslim societies, specially in the Indo-Pak area, they give a small amount of ‘Meher ’ and they expect the wife to get a fridge, to get a T.V set, they expect the wife to give a flat, to get a car, etc., and a large sum of dowry, depending upon the status of the husband If he is a graduate, they may accept - they may expect 1 lakh - If he is an engineer they may expect 3 lakhs- If he is a doctor they may expect 5 lakhs. Demanding dowry… a husband demanding dowry from the wife, directly or indirectly is prohibited in Islam. If the parents of the girl give the girl something out of their own free will, it is accepted - But demanding or forcing directly or indirectly, it is prohibited in Islam. If a Woman works, which she does not have to - whatever earning she gets, it is absolutely her property. She need not spend a single pai on the household - if she wants to spend it is her free will. Irrespective how rich the wife is, it is the duty of the husband to give lodging, boarding, clothing and look after the financial aspects of the wife. In case of divorce or if a wife gets widowed, she is given financial support for the period of ‘Iddah’ - and if she has children, she is also given child support.
Islam gave the right to the women to inherit, centuries ago. If you read the Qur’an - in several verses, in Surah Nisa, in Surah Baqarah and in Surah Maidah, it is mentioned that a woman irrespective, she is a wife or she is a mother, or a sister, or a daughter, she has a right to inherit - And it has been fixed by Allah (SWT) in the Qur’an.
The FACT of Dower given to Hazrat Fatimah R.A. by Hazrat Ali and the falsehood of dowry given to her by her father Prophet Mohammad PBUH.
The Prophet in said to Ali said: "Ali, many men have asked before you and she has rejected them-her resentment to marry them was clear on her face. Yet, wait until I bring you the answer."
The Prophet left Ali waiting for the answer. The Prophet informed his daughter that Ali wished to marry her. Fatima did not need to ask about Ali's occupation, manners, age and other traits; because she knew all about his talents, excellent traits and long-standing service to Islam. It is for this reason that the Prophet (S.A.W.) only said to her:
"Fatima, you know Ali lbn Abu Talib's relationship to us, his devotion and faithfulness to Islam. I asked Allah to give you in marriage to the best of His creatures, and the most beloved to Him; and he (Ali) has declared his wish to marry you; what do you say?"
Ali & FatimaFatima did not reply, nor did she show a sign of rejection or resentment, so he (S.A.W.) stood up and said: "Allah is the Greatest! Her silence is her approval."
The Prophet considered Fatima's silence as her consent and approval of the marriage; because a shy, virgin girl is not expected to declare her agreement openly. Yes, she can openly express disagreement and rejection of marriage. But shyness prevents a girl from declaring her wish to marry a man, but it does not stop her from rejecting it.
The Prophet (S.A.W.) went back to the waiting Ali and informed him of Fatima's approval of the marriage. He also inquired about the extent of his preparedness to fulfill the requirements needed for the wedding, because legally and traditionally there has to be a dowry. Especially in light of the fact that this marriage would be remembered and be of great influence to the future generations. Thus, it was important to observe every element and event, which would play a part of this marriage-within the limits of simplicity and modesty.
The Prophet said to Ali: "Do you possess anything (which you can pay for the dowry) to marry Fatima?"
Imam Ali answered: "May my parents be your sacrifice! By Allah, there is not a thing of my affairs hidden from you; I own my sword, shield and the camel which I use for irrigation!"
Indeed, this was everything that Ali possessed in this world when he was about to get married!
The Messenger open-heartedly listened to Ali and said:
"Ali, you cannot do without your sword, for you have to struggle with it and defend yourself against the enemies of Allah. As for your camel, you need is to irrigate palm trees and supports your family, and you need it as a means of travel. But I accept the shield as a dowry from you; thus sell it and bring me the money!"
Ali had won this shield from the booty of the battle of Badr. The Messenger, who named it Al-Hademah, gave it to him; because it destroyed all the swords which stuck it.
The Commander of the Faithful (A.S.) sold the shield for 480 or 500 dirhams and brought the money to the Prophet (S.A.W.). They both agreed that this money would be the dowry of the most honorable girl and most exalted female of the universe. Yes Fatima was the Mistress of the women of the world, and the daughter of the Master of Prophets and Messengers, who was the best of Allah's creatures.
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