KARACHI:
The concept of dowry, entrenched in Asian culture, starkly contradicts the obligations outlined in Islam. Within Islam, there exists the concept of mahr, a gift or contribution from the husband to his wife, symbolising respect. However, mahr has been overshadowed by dowry, which refers to the money or goods a woman brings to her husband or his family in marriage.
This societal pressure has created immense challenges, reflected in the staggering number of unmarried women over 35 in Pakistan (above 10 million, according to UN). A Gallup survey done in Pakistan in 2014 revealed that 84% consider dowry pivotal for marriage, with 69% believing marriage without it is impossible. The consequences are dire, with over 2,000 dowry-related deaths annually.
Despite Pakistan’s landmark move in 2020 to outlaw dowry in alignment with Islamic tenets, little progress has been seen. Deals are struck, prices are paid, and sons are essentially auctioned off to the highest bidder. This not only perpetuates the cycle of dowry extortion post-marriage but also leads to severe mental and physical abuse, and tragically, even suicides or murders.
Dowry has transformed from a cultural tradition into a crushing burden, straining not only brides but also their parents who go to great lengths to fulfill dowry demands, often burdening themselves with debt that persists even after their passing.
While Islam promotes marriages rooted in ease and simplicity, society celebrates those laden with exorbitant costs. The question remains: how long will we allow ourselves to be shackled by fabricated practices, borrowing from foreign cultures and religions, instead of adhering to the true principles of Islam?
Nofal R Chouhan
Lahore
Published in The Express Tribune, May 11th, 2024.
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