Islamic Mahr Rates
from the IMC
Based on authentic narrations and scholarly consensus
Historical Mahr Rates
Mahr ul Azwaj | Mahr ul Fatimi |
Mahr ul Azwaj | Mahr ul Fatimi |
Mahr ul Azwaj | Mahr ul Fatimi |
How is it calculated?
Mahr ul Azwaj: 1530.9 grams × Silver Gram Rate
Mahr ul Fatimi: 1750.0 grams × Silver Gram Rate
📜 The Evidence: Comprehensive Scholarly Analysis
1. Mahr al-Azwaj: Authentic and Consensus-Based
The mahr given to the wives of the Prophet ﷺ
| Hadith Reference | Narrator and Text | Amount | Weight (Silver) | Grading and Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sahih Muslim (Vol. 1, Pg. 458; Hadith 1426) | Aishah (RA): "The mahr he gave to his wives was twelve uqiyah and a nash... That was five hundred dirhams." | 500 dirhams | 1,530.9g | Sahih. Highest authenticity. Standard for most wives. (1 dirham = 3.0618g) |
| Sunan Ibn Majah (1887) | Umar (RA): "The Prophet ﷺ did not give any of his wives or daughters more than twelve uqiyah." | 480 dirhams (rounded) | 1,469.7g | Sahih (al-Albani). Figure was rounded off; never exceeded 500. |
Conclusion: 500 dirhams (1,530.9g) is authentic, undisputed, and mustahabb for those who can afford it.
"The best mahr is the simplest." - Sunan Ibn Majah 1887 (Sahih)
2. Mahr al-Fatimi: Disputed Evidence
The mahr of Fatima bint Muhammad (RA) - No single Sahih hadith exists
| Hadith/Narration Reference | Narrator/Details and Text | Amount | Weight (Silver) | Grading and Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah (Vol. 4, Pg. 240) and Tabaqat Ibn Sa'd (Vol. 8, Pg. 20) | Mursal from Muhammad ibn Ibrahim al-Taymi (d. 120/738): Mahr of Prophet's wives and daughters never exceeded 12.5 uqiyah (500 dirhams). | 500 dirhams | 1,530.9g | Mursal (tabi'i direct narration; reliable but incomplete chain). Supports 500 dirhams generally, but wording allows less. |
| Sharh Ma'ani al-Athar (Tahawi d. 321/933) and Mustakhraj (Abu Awanah d. 316/929) | Addition to Sahih Muslim 1426: Explicit 500 dirhams for wives and daughters. | 500 dirhams | 1,530.9g | Addition source unclear. Favored by Ashraf Ali Thanwi (d. 1362/1943), Mufti Shafi (d. 1396/1976), Mufti Mahmood Gangohi (d. 1417/1996). |
| Various (e.g., Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah; specific to Fatima's marriage) | Ali (RA) sold armor for 480 dirhams (12 uqiyah) as mahr. | 480 dirhams | 1,469.7g | Weak chains. Mufti Rashid Ludyanwi (d. 1422/2002), Mufti Rada' al-Haq (b. 1369/1950) prefer this for Fatima and other daughters. |
| Al-Kuna wa al-Asma' (Dawlābi d. 310/923) | Value of Ali's armor was 400 dirhams. | 400 dirhams | 1,224.7g | Weak/no chain. AL-HIDAYAAH: Ibn al-Humam (d. 861/1457) = 400 dirhams. |
| Mirqaat al-Mafatih (Mulla Ali Qaari d. 1014/1605) and Fataawa Raheemiyya (Mufti Lajpuri) | Preferred view: 400 mithqal of silver. | 400 mithqal | 1,750g | Cultural calculation. AL-HIDAYAAH: "Most cautious view." No authentic hadith. (1 mithqal = 4.375g) |
| Musnad Ahmad (1/101; Hadith 676-7) | From Abu Hurayrah (RA): Supports 400 dirhams for daughters generally. | 400 dirhams | 1,224.7g | Authentic. Cited in Hanbali texts. |
Conclusion: No sahih hadith specifies Fatima's exact mahr.
Range: 1,224g to 1,750g.
Preferred by caution: 400 mithqal = 1,750g (AL-HIDAYAAH, Mufti Lajpuri).
3. IMC's Cautionary Approach
Why IMC Uses These Weights
| Product | IMC Weight | Matches Which View? | Reason (Caution) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mahr Azwaj | 1,530.9g | Exactly 500 dirhams | Uses sahih hadith from Sahih Muslim. Most authentic and undisputed calculation. |
| Mahr Fatimi | 1,750g | 400 mithqal | Uses highest scholarly estimate to cover all valid opinions (1,224g to 1,750g). Ensures no shortfall even if 400 mithqal is correct. |
IMC's Strategy: "Cover the Maximum Valid Range"
- Mahr al-Azwaj: Sticks to authentic 500 dirhams → 1,530.9g (sahih)
- Mahr al-Fatimi: Uses 400 mithqal = 1,750g (highest cautious view) to eliminate risk of giving less than any accepted amount
Why? To avoid dispute and ensure barakah. Even if the true amount is lower, giving more is permissible and rewarded (Qur'an 2:236: "There is no blame if you divorce before consummation... provide for them honorably").
The Story of Ali's (RA) Sacrifice
When Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) sought to marry Fatima (RA), the beloved daughter of the Prophet ﷺ, he had no money for the mahr. The Prophet ﷺ asked him, "Do you have anything?" Ali (RA) replied, "I have nothing." The Prophet ﷺ then said, "Where is your armor?"
Ali (RA) sold his armor to provide the mahr for Fatima (RA). According to various authentic narrations, this armor was sold for different amounts, leading to scholarly discussion about the exact amount.
⚖️ Understanding Dirham Weights
Scholars have different views on the exact weight of a dirham. Here are the main positions:
Most Common
3.0618g Endorsed by most Hanafi scholars of the Indian subcontinentAlternative
2.975g Preferred by many Arab scholarsConservative
3.402g Some contemporary scholarsIMC's Calculations:
- Mahr Azwaj: 500 dirhams × 3.0618g = 1530.9 grams of silver
- Mahr Fatimi: 571.43 dirhams × 3.0618g = 1750.0 grams of silver
These calculations ensure that couples following either tradition receive the blessed amount intended by Islamic guidance.
🏛️ Modern Legal Framework: UAE Federal Law
Federal Law No. (21) of 1997 in the UAE sets maximum limits for mahr:
- Advance mahr: Maximum AED 20,000
- Deferred mahr: Maximum AED 30,000
Note: Islamic mahr calculations may exceed these limits, as they are based on silver weight rather than arbitrary currency amounts. Couples should consult local Islamic scholars regarding compliance with both Islamic law and civil regulations.
📚 Historical Context & Wisdom
The Prophet's ﷺ Guidance on Moderation
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "The best of mahr is the easiest (or most affordable)." (Sunan Ibn Majah)
Umar's (RA) Famous Speech
Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) said: "Do not ask a high mahr for your women. If (doing so) was a token of honour in this world or a source of piety, by Allah, then your Rasul ﷺ should have been more worthy of it (i.e. of stipulating a high Mahr for his daughters)." (Tirmidhi)
This emphasizes that even the Prophet ﷺ, despite his exalted status, chose moderate amounts for his family's mahr, teaching us the value of simplicity and focus on spiritual rather than material aspects of marriage.
✅ Final Summary: IMC's Weights Are Defensible and Praiseworthy
| Aspect | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Accuracy | Mahr al-Azwaj: 100% accurate (sahih hadith). Mahr al-Fatimi: Not precise, but within valid scholarly range. |
| Intent | Cautious (ihtiyat). Covers all authentic opinions to avoid deficiency. |
| Sunnah Compliance | Fully aligned with modesty and ease in marriage. Excess is not blameworthy if affordable (Sahih Muslim 1426). |
| Recommendation | Best for symbolic gifting. For actual nikah, consult a local scholar and agree mutually. |
Best Practice:
- Use Mahr al-Azwaj (1,530.9g) for certainty and authentic foundation
- Use Mahr al-Fatimi (1,750g) for barakah and cautious approach
- Always prioritize mutual consent and simplicity
"The best marriage is the easiest." - Sunan Ibn Majah 1887
Wallahu a'lam.
💡 Practical Guidance for Modern Couples
Which Amount to Choose?
- If you can afford it: Mahr Azwaj (1530.9g silver) is recommended as it's based on the most authentic narration from Sahih Muslim
- For those following Fatimi tradition: Mahr Fatimi (1750g silver) is also blessed and follows scholarly precedent
- Financial consideration: The Prophet ﷺ emphasized affordability - choose what doesn't cause hardship
- Regional compliance: Ensure compliance with local civil laws while maintaining Islamic principles
Modern Purchasing Power Consideration
Some scholars note that silver's purchasing power has decreased since the Prophetic era. While the traditional silver-based calculation remains valid, some suggest considering:
- Gold equivalent calculations (50 dinars for Mahr Azwaj)
- Purchasing power adjustments based on historical research
- Regional cost of living factors
Ultimately, this should be a mutual decision between families, guided by Islamic principles of fairness and consideration.
📖 The Quranic Foundation
وَءَاتُواْ ٱلنِّسَآءَ صَدُقَٰتِهِنَّ نِحۡلَةٗۚ فَإِن طِبۡنَ لَكُمۡ عَن شَيۡءٖ مِّنۡهُ نَفۡسا فَكُلُوهُ هَنِيٓـٔا مَّرِيٓـٔا
"And give the women [upon marriage] their [bridal] gifts graciously. But if they give up willingly to you anything of it, then take it in satisfaction and ease."
(Quran, Surah An-Nisa, 4:4)
This verse establishes the fundamental principle that mahr is a gift from the groom to the bride, given graciously and with respect. The word "gifts" (صَدُقَٰتِهِنَّ) emphasizes the voluntary and honorable nature of this practice.
📚 Scholarly References
- Al-Hidayah No: 11 by Sheikhul Hadith Moulana Fazlur Rahman
- Detailed Analysis: Mahr Fāṭimī or Mahr Azwāj by Islamic Portal
- UAE Federal Law No. (21) of 1997 ( PDF of Law here)
- Sahih Muslim, Book of Marriage
For detailed academic analysis and additional references, please refer to the uploaded scholarly documents available through the IMC research portal. AI Generated sources ( here )
🤝 How IMC Provides Mahr Services
The Islamic Monetary Council provides accurate, up-to-date Mahr calculations based on:
- Scholarly Guidance: Consultation with experts in Islamic jurisprudence
- Real-time Silver Prices: Live market data for accurate calculations
- Regional Adaptation: Understanding of local customs and regulations
- Educational Resources: Comprehensive information about the historical and religious significance
- API Access: For Islamic platforms and applications requiring Mahr calculations
API Integration
Islamic platforms and applications can integrate IMC's Mahr Rate API to provide accurate, real-time calculations. Contact us for API access and documentation.
Contact IMC for:
- Personalized Mahr consultations
- API integration for your platform
- Educational workshops on Islamic marriage practices
- Regional adaptation guidance