What determines the amount of the Mahr (dower)?

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The Mahr is determined by what the parties mutually agree upon and consent to. This is evidenced by the statement of Allah: "There is no blame upon you for what you agree to after the obligatory amount is set" (Quran 4:24). Furthermore, the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, "Al-'Ala'iq (dower stipulations) are what the families agree upon." Since the Mahr is a contract of exchange, the consent of the contracting parties is a requirement, similar to all other exchange contracts.