Minimum mahr (dowry) for Nikah

What is the minimum mahr (dowry) acceptable for nikah? Is there any proof for the minimum amount, because I have heard it is based on a weak hadith? I have heard some people speak of a sunnah amount to give, what is that amount? Is there a maximum limit to how much I can give?

 بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

الجواب حامدا و مصليا و مسلما

The mahr is the sole right of the woman. Consequently, the stipulation of the amount is entirely at her discretion. As far as the minimum mahr is concerned, the early scholars differed in this matter. According to the Hanafi scholars, the minimum is ten dirhams which would be the equivalent of 0.987 troy ounces of silver. This is based on a hadith which states, “There is no mahr less than 10 dirhams.” (Bayhaqi)

This narration has been transmitted by many hadith scholars, after which Hafiz Ibn Hajar al Asqalani rahmatullah alaih concludes, “This hadith at the very least has reached the level of hasan (acceptable)…” 

As far as the maximum amount of mahr is concerned, Sharia has not set any limit whatsoever. However, it should be understood that whatever amount the husband takes upon himself to give to his wife, it should be an amount which is in his capacity to give so that he knows he will surely fulfill his promise.

What you have heard of a sunnah amount for mahr is correct. According to a hadith in Sunan Abu Dawud, this amount is twelve and a half awqiya. One awqiya is equivalent to forty dirhams; therefore twelve and one half awqiya is five hundred dirhams (approximately 49.3857 troy oz. silver). So whenever one decides to pay the mahr, the value of fifty troy ounces of silver should be calculated and then given accordingly.

والله اعلم

And Allah Knows best.

Approved by: Mufti Husain Ahmad Madani