wives, because of the exorbitant dowries and the wedding costs that have spiralled into extravagance and waste; and when both sexes remain single, they are all too often pushed toward indecency and shameful behaviour!

How many evils and harms have grown out of this excess—social, moral, financial, and others besides. Once matters have reached this stage, we are of the view that the government must intervene to address the issue and set things right, obliging people to follow equitable measures. Allah alone grants success.