When does the wife gain full ownership of the dower?

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The wife gains full ownership of the dower upon the conclusion of the marriage contract. This is the consensus among scholars, evidenced by the Prophet's statement regarding a husband giving only his lower garment (*izar*): 'If you give him your *izar*, you will sit with no *izar*.' This implies the entire dower belongs to the wife. Consequently, any increase or growth (*namaa'*) of the dower belongs to her, whether she has taken possession of it or not. If the dower is zakatable wealth and a full lunar year passes while in her possession, the *Zakat* is incumbent upon her.