Re: Jahez- Dowry
A dowry (also known as trousseau) is a gift of money or valuables given to the family of the bridegroom by the family of the bride at the time of their marriage It has been regarded as the contribution of the bride’s family to the new couple’s household expenses.
Dowry has been a long standing cultural practice in various societies. In those societies where the practice has persisted through to modern times, the practice has been in decline or become illegal. However, dowry remains relatively common in certain cultures, which tend to assign social stigma to unmarried women such that it is seen to be desirable to marry off daughters as soon as possible. The reasoning employed to justify providing dowry is that it removes the “economic burden” of caring for daughters, and increases the likelihood that the new married couple will be able to provide for the parents during their old age.
Mehr however, is an agreed amount between the 2 families before the marriage takes place that will be signed away to the bride on her nikah. This is given so just in case if something serious happens between the couple and leads to permanent separation/divorce, she has got some money with which she can look after herself with.
Please correct me if i am wrong…