Judicial Review and Solutions for Marriage Portion Reduction

In Islam Mahr(marriage portion) is a woman’s right which becomes binding upon the husband once the marriage is contracted. The marriage portion which is set in the marriage contract is called (Mahr- al- Mossamma). There is no limitation for this kind of marriage portion and the couple can contract on any amount or entity which can be owned by a person. According to the principle of sharia a large sum of marriage portion is not recommended. Consequently it should not exceed more than Mahr-al-sunnah (a traditional marriage portion of 500 Dirhams or 50 Dinars). Unfortunately today these suggested amounts are ignored and heavy sums of marriage portions imposed on the man have inflicted immense losses on the family foundation. Accordingly efforts have been made by all scholars to reduce the marriage portion to a reasonable amount. After reviewing and criticizing the scholars views the author brings forth her documentations and practical solutions regarding the financial status of the husband and marriage portion.