It is a practice of Islamic weddings to have a Mehar (in Arabic and Persian: mahr), also written more or Meher, which refers to the groom’s obligations to the bride (the payment also specifies how and when it should be done). A Mehar is a payment that the groom makes to the bride as part of the marriage ceremony (payment may also take place under certain conditions).  It is common for money to be used as Mehar; however, it may also be jewellry, household goods, furniture, a house, or land that has been agreed upon by the bride. Marriage contracts usually include a Mehar clause. In an Islamic marriage, both partners have clearly defined responsibilities, and the rules regarding how to earn and spend wealth are accordingly outlined.

Islamic marriage or nikah, is considered a holy union that cannot be considered complete without a few essential components. A Mehar or dower payment is one of them.

In the Quran, Allah commands Muslims to pay their wives the Mehar “happily” because “Fareezah” means a duty.

What Does Dower(Mehar) Mean?

Dower(Mehar), which sounds like Mahr in Arabic, is equivalent to Mehr in Urdu. In Indian Muslim culture, grooms have an obligation to their brides, known as Mehar. Payment instructions include specific dates and times. In an Islamic marriage, a Mehar is paid. It may also be necessary to pay in hard cash.

Types of Mehar/Meher in Islam

Mehar/Meher in Islam can be divided into two types:

1. Muqaddam (Moajjal or Prompt)
2. Muakhar (Mawwajjal or Deferred or Payable on Demand)

A Mukaddam (Moajjal’s or Prompt’s) Mehar should be given to the couple after the wedding ceremony, while the Muakhar (Mawwajjal’s or Deferred’s or Payable on Demand) Mehar should be given based on the date agreed upon by the couple after the wedding ceremony. This was considered an important payment in terms of dower by Muqaddam Mahr. The Mehar rights of a woman cannot be deprived by her husband by himself, as it is an Islamic fundamental right that each Muslim woman is entitled to by faith. When the husband dies, the Mehar should be paid from the estate or wealth of the husband, in accordance with religious requirements. Depending on the type of Mehar, it could be money or jewelry, such as gold, silver, cash, clothes, estates, appliances, and so on. 

• At the time of the Online Nikah (at our office), two witnesses shall be present.
• Muslim witnesses must be present.
• Witnesses must be sane.
• Witnesses must be adults.
• It is mandatory that they witness the contract at the time of nikah, and they are able to provide testimony in court (if necessary) to prove that the marriage took place in accordance with Islamic law.