Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (d. 728 AH) said: “If the portion of the bridal gift that is paid in advance is large and the groom is able to afford it, it is not disapproved, unless it is accompanied by something that renders it blameworthy, such as ostentation and the like. However, if he is unable to meet that amount— or if the sum is large yet deferred so that it remains a liability on him—then it should be deemed disliked, for it exposes him to the burden of debt.” End of quote.

In summary, a sizeable bridal gift is not disapproved so long as it does not reach the level of boastfulness or extravagance, does not weigh the husband down to the point that he must seek help from others through begging or similar means, and does not burden his conscience with debt. These are sound guidelines that secure benefit and ward off harm.

From what has preceded it is clear that the excessive inflation of dowries now widespread—showing no regard for the poorer groom and turning marriage into a steep ascent—is undoubtedly disliked, if not outright forbidden. This becomes even more certain when such dowries are accompanied by further costs: purchasing costly fabrics, exorbitant jewelry, and staging lavish parties and banquets rife with extravagance, wastefulness, and the discarding of food and meat without any benefit to the couple. All of this is undeniably among the burdens, fetters, and harmful customs that must be fought, abolished, and removed from the path to marriage.

In a hadith narrated by ʿĀʾishah (may Allah be pleased with her) and traced back to the Prophet ﷺ: “The women who are most blessed …”