In today’s time, it’s common to see women or their families directly demanding a high, fixed mahr (dowry) as a condition of marriage. But was this the practice during the time of the Sahabah (the companions of the Prophet ï·º)? A closer look at Islamic history gives us a different perspective.
Simplicity of Mahr in the Time of the Sahabah
The Sahabiyyat (female companions) did not approach mahr with worldly expectations. Their focus was on deen (religion), character, and compatibility, not on wealth.
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Modest Mahr: Mahr was usually simple and affordable. The Prophet ï·º married off his daughters and companions with mahrs that were symbolic and reasonable.
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Non-Material Mahr: Some women accepted unique mahrs—like the teaching of Qur'an, or even an iron ring—as was the case with the woman who married a Sahabi after the Prophet ï·º suggested he teach her some Qur'an as her mahr.
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No Demand Culture: Sahabah women did not "demand" mahr in the modern transactional way. The value of a man was not based on how much he could pay, but on his faith and manners.
What the Prophet ï·º Taught
The Prophet ï·º said:
“The best of mahr is the one that is easiest (to give).” — [Ibn Majah]
This hadith reflects the spirit of Islamic marriages—simplicity, ease, and focus on building a righteous family.
A Lesson for Today
Demanding extravagant mahr contradicts the Sunnah and burdens both the groom and the marriage. Returning to the values of the Sahabah means reviving simplicity and sincerity in our relationships.
Let mahr be a gift, not a price.