Journal of Studies in Islamic Law & Jurisprudence

Journal of Studies in Islamic Law & Jurisprudence

Jurisprudential Analysis of Indeterminate Dowry

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Alireza Shakeri 1
Ahmad Naqavi 2
1 PhD Student of Islamic Criminal Law, Naragh Branch, Islamic Azad University, Naragh, Iran (Corresponding Author).
2 Level Four Student of the Seminary of Qom, Qom, Iran.
10.22075/feqh.2023.29037.3501
Abstract
In verse 4 of Surah An-Nisa, the Holy Quran refers to a woman's dowry with the word "nihlah," which means gift or grant. In Islam, no specific amount is prescribed for dowry; rather, its determination is left to the mutual agreement of the parties. Any lawful item of value can constitute dowry, whether small or large, tangible goods, money, usufruct, labor, or services. A significant issue regarding dowry is the ruling on indeterminate dowry, which this study examines through a descriptive-analytical approach. The central question is: What is the ruling when the dowry is unspecified or omitted at the time of marriage? Based on Shiite jurisprudential texts and scholars' opinions, in the case of a permanent marriage, the contract remains valid even if the dowry is unspecified. However, in a temporary marriage, the contract is deemed invalid if no dowry is stipulated. The obligation to pay Mahr al-Mithl (equitable dowry), Mahr al-Mut‘ah (compensatory dowry), or the non-entitlement to any dowry varies depending on different circumstances. This study seeks to analyze these aspects using narrations and jurists' opinions.
Keywords
Dowry
Indeterminate
Unspecified
Mahr al-Mithl
Mahr al-Mut‘ah

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Journal of Studies in Islamic Law & Jurisprudence
Volume 16, Issue 36
Autumn 2024
Pages 343-372