An Analytical Study of Mahr with Reference to the Prophet’s Wives (Azwāj al-Muṭahharāt)

Abstract

Islam places great emphasis on safeguarding the rights of women, and this is particularly evident in the repeated Qur’anic injunctions regarding the payment of Mahr—a mandatory gift or amount promised by the husband to the wife at the time of Nikāḥ (marriage contract). Whether a man fulfills his desires within the lawful framework of Sharīʿah (i.e., through marriage) or unlawfully through adultery, some form of expenditure is involved. However, the institution of Nikāḥ provides discipline, moral structure, and social responsibility, unlike the chaos of illicit relationships. In Islamic jurisprudence, Mahr is a wājib (obligatory) financial obligation upon the husband, underscoring the value and dignity of the woman. The Sharīʿah is so meticulous in protecting this right that even if Mahr is not specified, or is mutually waived at the time of marriage, it still remains obligatory under certain conditions. This study aims to analyze the concept and application of Mahr with specific reference to the noble wives of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)—the Azwāj al-Muṭahharāt—drawing from the Qur’an, Sunnah, and classical Islamic jurisprudence. By examining their examples, the article highlights the spiritual, legal, and social significance of Mahr in Islamic marital ethics.