Mahr

[Maryam]

Assalamu alaykum Sheikh,

I had a question concerning mahr. If a couple was married a very long time ago (in the 70's) and the mahr was specified but not paid. The husband is supposed to pay the specified mahr.

But the amount of mahr specified on the contract holds less value now. (example: if mahr was specified to be say 400 dollars in the 70's, the value of 400 dollars in the 70's was much more than it is in 2005) What should one do about such a situation?

Does the husband pay the specified amount listed or does he pay an equivalent amount? If it is the later, how does onw find out the value of the mahr for the present time?

I am sure several people may have the same question.

JazakAllah Khair

[Yaser Birjas]

If the value of the currency was greatly affected i.e. the difference is so great then we go by a third currency of that time and measure how much it will value today. But if the difference was not that great then the mahr should be paid in that same currency in that same amount.

In both cases, the husband should fear Allah and pay the Mahr right away, it was due the day the marriage was consummated and it will stay as a debt until it is paid.


Wallahu Aa’lam