<![CDATA[Mahar is an important element in Islamic marriage, given by the prospective husband to the prospective wife as a form of respect and sincerity. However, in contemporary marriage practices, mahar is often associated with economic conditions, education, social status, and social expectations, which may shift its meaning into a measure of a man's financial ability or a woman's social value. This study aims to examine and reconstruct the meaning of mahar from the perspective of the Qur’an and to explore its relevance to contemporary marriage practices. This study employs library research with a qualitative approach. The data are derived from Q.S. An-Nisa verse 4, hadiths concerning the mahar given by the Prophet Muhammad, Qur’anic commentaries, books, journal articles, and the Compilation of Islamic Law (KHI). The data were analyzed descriptively and analytically by examining the meaning, position, forms, and amount of mahar and relating them to contemporary marriage practices. The findings show that mahar in the Qur’an is a woman’s right, given with sincerity and willingness, and represents respect and commitment in marriage. The Qur’an and hadith do not prescribe one specific form or fixed amount of mahar for all marriages. Therefore, the amount and form of mahar may be determined according to the agreement and ability of both parties, as long as they do not involve coercion, social pressure, or create undue hardship. The reconstruction of the meaning of mahar in contemporary contexts thus emphasizes its position as a woman’s right rather than a measure of her dignity, social status, or the man’s economic capacity.]]>
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