In today's era, the marriage of girls has become a serious problem, and the main reason for this is the dowry. Taking or giving dowry in marriage is neither obligatory nor Sunnah according to Islamic teachings, nor is any form or amount of it prescribed by the Sharia. It is merely related to social customs and traditions. If it includes wastefulness, showiness, or coercion and oppression upon someone, then it certainly becomes forbidden, impermissible, and condemnable.
According to the words of the Infallibles (peace be upon them), the items given to Lady Fatima Zahra (peace be upon her) in the form of dowry were very simple and limited to what was necessary. Reference: Al-Kafi, Vol. 5, p. 375. In a tradition, it is said that her dowry consisted of a goatskin, a leather pillow, a date-leaf mat, a water bottle, and a flour mill. These were only some of the necessary things. This simplicity teaches us that the purpose of dowry in Islam is convenience, not showiness or burden.
Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever marries a woman for her wealth or beauty will be deprived of these things, but whoever marries her for her piety, Allah will grant him good wealth.” (Wasa’il al-Shi‘ah, Vol. 14, p. 30.) This hadith makes it clear that the criterion for marriage should not be wealth, but piety. Establishing a relationship on the basis of dowry indicates wrong intentions.
Regarding wastefulness, the Holy Qur’an says in Surah Bani Isra’il, verse 27: “Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of Satan, and Satan is ever ungrateful to his Lord.” Therefore, if the dowry includes extravagance, display, or show-off, it will be a cause of Allah’s displeasure.
Taking or giving dowry is neither obligatory nor Sunnah. However, if the necessary items are given with sincerity and as a humble contribution, without burdening anyone, it can be a source of reward. But if it includes customs, show, competition, or oppression, it will not be permissible in any way.
The teachings of the Infallibles (peace be upon them) have always emphasized ease and simplicity in marriage, reminding us that true blessings lie not in luxury and display, but in sincerity, piety, and mutual respect.
