Answered by Ustadh Salman Younas
Question: What would be an appropriate amount to ask for a dowry (mahar)? I live in Toronto, but my fiance is from Portland and we will be moving there. From what I understand cost of living in Portland is more affordable. What exactly would be a fair amount to request?
Answer: assalamu `alaykum
This is something you would have to discuss with your family and future husband. The Qur’an commands men to give dowry with a “good heart” (4:4), while the sunna advises that the dowry should be something that is “affordable” to give. [al-Hakim, al-Mustadrak]
The minimum amount of dowry that is to be given is the equivalent of ten dirhams, which is 31 grams of silver. The dowry that the Prophet (God bless him) and the Companions (God be well-pleased with them) gave when they married varied. It is reported that the dowry that the Prophet (God bless him) gave to his wives was the equivalent of 1530 grams of silver, while the amount he commanded `Ali (God be well-pleased him) give Fatima (God be well-pleased with her) was 1469 grams of silver,
For more details, please see: Some Rulings Related to the Dowry
Salman
Checked & Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani