What is the view of the scholars of Islam regarding the following issue? If people (i.e. the groom’s family) were to make a list of items to be received as جہیز (gifts given to the bride from her family members at the time if her wedding) and compel others (i.e. the bride’s family) to give exactly what has been listed and to not go against this list, is this permissible as per Shari’ah? If it is permissible, then what about compelling people to do such, as society is made up of both lower and upper class people?
الجواب حامدا و مصلیا
It is a wrong practice for the family of the groom to demand or even make a list of items to be received as جہیز. This should be done according to the approval and capacity of the family of the bride. There will be blessing in whatever they are able to give to their daughter. And if they don’t give anything they should not be compelled to.
And Allah knows best.