Mahr
From Islamic law
Religious and customary lawContract and obligations
What it means
A sum of money or property that a husband promises to give his wife at marriage. It belongs to the wife. It is part of the marriage contract in Islamic law.
Why it travels badly
'Dowry' in English traditionally means what the wife's family gives to the husband. 'Bride price' is paid to the bride's family. A mahr is neither: it is paid to the bride herself. Courts outside the Islamic world have to classify it, as a contract, as a gift, or as part of the property settlement on divorce.
How other systems say it
Islamic law
mahr / sadaq
An obligation of the husband that belongs to the wife, whether paid at the start or deferred.
Common-law courts
contract term
Courts in several countries have enforced it as a contract, applying the foreign law that the couple chose or that governs the marriage.
Brautgabe as a contractual claim
German courts have treated a promised mahr as a claim arising from the marriage contract, subject to the law that applies to it.
Tip for translators and students
Do not use 'dowry' or 'bride price'. 'Marriage payment from the husband to the wife' is accurate.
Related: Kafala, Sharia and fiqh, Waqf
Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
TheLawToKnow Tools’s glossary is an educational overview of the main differences between legal systems. It is not legal advice.
