Q: I am only Muslim at home. My parents follow tradition and also thier religious beliefs (Christians). When I had the marriage proposal, they made it clear to me that it will be according to their beliefs not Islamic belief. I decided to perform Nikkah (marriage) without their consent as I didn’t want to do it in a traditional way as there would have been lot of haraam that would be involved there. My problem, my husband wants to be accepted to as part of the family, I know he will be told to pay loboba (bride’s prize that will range from R50 000-R70 000) to my family and I feel this is against my own Islamic beliefs although I also want him to be accepted by my parents. What advice can you give to me? The Mahr was paid to me on the day of Nikkah.
A: Whilst according to islam the validity of your nikaah is not premised on your groom paying labola, if he did give them some gift or pay them some money to keep them happy whilst not considering it compulsory it would be acceptable.
Aadiel Moosagie (Mufti)
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www.councilofulama.co.za