It is written in the Qur’an that the mahr should be part of the marriage covenant. The groom gives his bride mahr as a token of her commitment to him and her care. It can be in the form of money, property or possessions. There is no set amount, although moderation is recommended, and the gift is agreed upon between the bride and groom.
وَءَاتُوا۟ ٱلنِّسَآءَ صَدُقَتِهِنَّ نِحْلَةًۭ ۚ فَإِن طِبْنَ لَكُمْ عَن شَىْءٍۢ مِّنْهُ نَفْسًۭا فَكُلُوهُ هَنِيٓـًۭٔا مَّرِيٓـًۭٔا .
Translation:
"And give unto the women her due for a freewill offering, but if they will give you anything, receive it with joy and gladness." [Qur'an 4: 4]
The groom may pay the mahr before marriage, during the wedding, or the next day, as agreed with his bride. The mahr can be postponed indefinitely. However, it will be paid immediately in the event of a divorce or death. The amount and method of payment is stated in the contract, signed by the bride, groom and their witnesses. Following this, Aqd-Nikah is announced to all who will be visiting the nikah.
Traditionally, the mahr will represent the social status of the bride's family. Nowadays, however, the offering of mahr is seen mainly as a symbol. No one wants to start a marriage that is burdened by debt and, similarly, Islam does not want to prevent men from getting married because they cannot afford expensive lobola.
Information regarding Muslim World and Pakistan.
