Wife is entitled to dispose of her Mahr however she wishes

3-2-2015 | IslamWeb

Question:

Assalamu Aleikum wa rahama tullahi wa barakathuhu, A questionon Mahr. If the husband agrees gold at the nikah and gives the equivalent amount in money to buy gold, if the bride prefers to use the money for her personal matters and not to buy gold WITH the consent of the husband, is it permissible in Islam. Jazak Allahu Khairen Salaams

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

The Mahr (bridal gift) is an exclusive right of the wife. Whenever she takes possession of it, she has absolute right to dispose of it in any lawful manner she wishes as we have already clarified in Fatwa 59310.

Therefore, if the husband gave his wife money to buy gold and she instead used the money and did not buy gold, then she has the right to do so. However, if she had consulted her husband out of respect for his feelings, this is good, and it consists of good manners.

Allaah Knows best.