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even though there is a mutual consent. The proclamation <strong>of</strong> a properly<br />
performed and publicly announced marriage is to make it generally<br />
known that this ceremony has taken place. Therefore, Islam always<br />
encourages people to celebrate a marriage publicly as Abd Al-RahmIn<br />
0<br />
bin IAUf says : "The Prophet said to me, give a wedding banquet, even<br />
with one sheep. " 1<br />
Dowry in Islam<br />
In general, Islam approved <strong>of</strong> the dowry which was an existing<br />
custom among Arabs. Every marriage contract must include a dowry<br />
(money paid to the wife by the husband).<br />
Also:<br />
"And give the women (on marriage) their dowry as<br />
a free gift.,, 2<br />
"Except for these (the prohibited women). all others<br />
are lawful, provided ye seek (them In marriage) with<br />
gifts from your property, desiring chastity, not<br />
lust. Seeing, that ye derive benefit from them, give them<br />
their dowries (at least) as prescribed. " 3<br />
Dowry has many names : it is called al-Sad9q, I<br />
al-Nihlah, and<br />
4<br />
al-Fari da. It is not a bride price, but it is paid as a toekn<br />
0<br />
<strong>of</strong> the husband's sincerity. and ability to look after the woman and<br />
be responsible for her and the children as well. As it was stated<br />
that "Allah has decreed dowry as a necessary present from the man<br />
to his wife, and it is not a price to be paid in exchange for a<br />
merchandise or a pay for her service. It 5<br />
Islam has made dowry the man's<br />
duty because all marital financial duties are the man's responsibility<br />
and dowry is no exception. Nobody can exempt the husband from paying<br />
the dowry to his wife because it is a necessary condition for valid<br />
marriage.<br />
1. Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 7. OP. Cit.. P. 70<br />
2, Q. 4,4<br />
1-<br />
3. Q. 4,24<br />
4. Tee Shihatah Abd Allah. Aj-Ma? ahf1' al-Isli7m B! ýA al-Mjaj wa al H; dir<br />
I- Women in Islam between the past ana the presentis re<br />
5. Ibid<br />
89