and the prominent and affluent among them; unless these people desist from extravagance and flaunting luxury, the common folk will not desist, for they merely follow their leaders and the notables of their society.

Second: In addition to what has already been stated, the Council believes that the state—may Allah grant it success—should prohibit holding wedding celebrations in hotels and banquet halls, because many of these venues involve objectionable practices, entail waste, and consume enormous sums—sometimes exceeding the dowry itself—and because they play a major role in driving up the overall cost of marriage.

The Council once again emphasizes its call to leaders, scholars, and dignitaries: each of them should play his part in resolving this problem and set a good example in matters of marriage. Let them realize that Allah has prepared a tremendous reward for them if they are sincere and establish a commendable practice among His servants; but they will incur sin and punishment if they depart from the guidance of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and set a bad example. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever introduces an evil practice in Islam will bear its burden and the burdens of all who act upon it until the Day of Resurrection.”

Third: With regard to certain tribes agreeing upon fixed dowries and specific procedures, the Council—with the exception of one of its members—has resolved the following:
(a) To approve whatever each tribe mutually agrees upon in fixing dowries, provided that the agreed amount suits the tribe’s circumstances, involves no excess, and is binding upon its members.
(b) The amount on which the tribe has agreed is regarded as the upper limit for dowries within that tribe. Anyone who, with the bride’s consent, wishes to marry off his ward for less than that limit may do so and is to be commended.
(c) Whoever exceeds the limit agreed upon by that tribe shall be referred to the discretion of His Eminence