Cultural aspects in Christian and Islamic religions - unesdoc - Unesco

Faqihs (experts in Islamic law) frown upon extravagant ceremonies or
extravagant mahr amounts. But the Koranic text says that the bride may ask for
anything she wants, and whatever she asks for will be hers alone. The man may
not do her injustice by taking mahr away from her. God has said: ‘Give women
their dowry (sadaqah), a free offering (nihlah). And if they willingly offer you any
of it, then consume it in peace of mind and wholesomeness.’ (Sura: Women(4),
Verse 4). Sadaqah is the dowry, and the free offering (nihlah) means that there
should be nothing in exchange. Nihlah is not the word for dowry; it is all what is
given without exchange. The Verse ends a habit that dates back to pre-Islamic
times when the father would take his daughter’s dowry. Islam ended this habit,
and the dowry became the right of the woman alone unless she gives up this
dowry to her father or any one else willingly.
For the Mowahidoon (Unitarian) Druze Community, marriage is based on mutual
consent and agreement between the betrothed. No coercion should be exerted
on any of them. The Muwahhid is to make an effort (‘ijtihad) to choose a wife
who is pious, composed, and of good origins and a good family. This is also what
a girl should look for when choosing since this choice has a great impact on the
upbringing of the children and their righteousness.
An engaged male is eligible for marriage upon being eighteen of age, and the
girl upon turning seventeen. The girl’s parents ought to enquire about the fiancé
and tell that to their daughter giving her advice leaving the final decision to her.
A girl should not be engaged to two persons at the same time or in a divorce
waiting period or in mourning. Muwahidoon Sheikhs do not approve of clamor
at marriage ceremonies. The guests must be honored with what is appropriate
for the occasion along with remembrance of God and ‘ishhar (making the
marriage public).
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