What are the established names for the marriage portion (Mahr)?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Dowry (Mahr)

Book 36 · Issue 2 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The marriage portion has nine established names: Mahr (Sadaq), Sadaqah, Mahr (Mihr), Nuhla (free gift), Fariidah (due), Ujr (wage), Al-'Alaa'iq, 'Uqr (dower), and Hiba'. It is related that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Pay the 'Alaa'iq." When asked what 'Alaa'iq were, he replied: "That which the families agree upon." Umar stated that the 'Uqr belongs to the women. Poetry is also cited regarding 'Hiba' in this context.

Supporting text

The linguistic usage dictates that one says "Asdaqtu al-mar'a" (I gave the woman Mahr) and "Mahartuha" (I set her Mahr), but it is not permissible to say "Amhartuha" (I endowed her).