<![CDATA[Marriage in Islam is a sacred contract that integrates spiritual, legal, and moral principles, in which mahar (dowry) and wali nikah (guardian) serve as essential pillars ensuring the validity of the marital bond. Although numerous classical and contemporary studies discuss these concepts, limited research has systematically compared their classical jurisprudential foundations with the challenges posed by modern social dynamics, creating a clear research gap. This study therefore aims to analyze the legal basis, philosophical meaning, and contemporary relevance of mahar and wali nikah using a qualitative library research method grounded in normative-juridical analysis. By examining interpretations from the Qur’an, Hadith, and scholarly opinions within the frameworks of usul fiqh and maqāṣid al-syarī‘ah, this article explores how these two pillars function as mechanisms of protection, justice, and ethical balance within Muslim family life. The findings reveal that mahar symbolizes responsibility, sincerity, and the honoring of women, while the wali nikah ensures the protection of women’s rights and the legitimacy of consent, especially amidst modern social issues such as materialistic practices of dowry and debates on women’s autonomy. This research contributes scientifically by offering an integrated analytical model that bridges classical fiqh and contemporary social realities, enriching current Islamic family law discourse and providing a normative foundation for policy and community education related to marriage ethics]]>
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