901 – On the authority of ʿUqbah ibn ʿĀmir – may Allah be pleased with him – who said: “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, ‘The best bridal dower is the one that is easiest (to afford).’” Abū Dāwūd narrated it, and al-Ḥākim declared it sound. ⦗1⦘

Hadith grading:
This ḥadith is ḥasan (good).
It was also related by al-Nasāʾī, Ibn Abī Shaybah, and al-Bayhaqī; Ibn Ḥibbān and al-Ḥākim judged it ṣaḥīḥ, and al-Dhahabī concurred. The report has corroborating chains.
A stronger isnād is found with Aḥmad and others in the wording: “Part of a woman’s good fortune is that her proposal, her dower, and her womb are all made easy.” It was recorded by Aḥmad, Ibn Ḥibbān, and al-Bayhaqī.
Al-Ḥākim also narrated it and said, “Authentic according to the criteria of Muslim,” and al-Dhahabī agreed.

Points derived from the ḥadiths:

1. A bridal dower is indispensable in marriage, even if small; it serves as a gift to the bride and a token presented to her upon consummation.
2. The dower is not sought for its own sake in marriage; it is not a negotiated price but rather a gracious grant within this blessed contract.
3. The Lawgiver encourages and facilitates marriage so that its noble aims and wholesome fruits may be realized.
4. Poverty should not prevent marriage; the groom should offer whatever he can afford, and the bride and her guardians should accept what is presented, for the purpose is not to