DOWRY

  •                                                           DOWRY
    Dowry is defined as the money, goods or estate that a woman brings to her husband at marriage. In other words the property expected or even demanded by the husband and his family from the woman called dowry. This is a social evil and has become a status symbol. It is derived from Latin language. It was used in Anglo Saxons English and then medieval French era. The concept of dowry was common in Europe until 19th century. Pakistan adopted the dowry system from Indian culture because once Pakistan was Indian subcontinent. In Indian culture dowry is very much prevalent.

    Dowry is a social evil which has affected our society very badly. It has caused too much destruction to the socio-economic structure. The dowry system has given birth too many evils. It will draw many girls to suicide to save their parents from economic drudgery. Bride’s parents give dowry in order to show their wealthy status for example luxury cars, bungalows and property. Bride’s In-laws also show their greed on this occasion by demanding heavy bikes, cars, foreign tours and money for starting business. Either their greed cannot be fulfilled they can complain for more anytime.

    Dowry is widely spread in most regions of Christianity; in some regions it is less prevalent. It is a fine method of establishment or setting up a new couple. In Christian society a girl who brings respectable dowry feels confident while a girl without dowry feels uncomfortable. It was more fluent till 19th century. In Hinduism Dahej/Kenya Dan is essential for getting marriage. This is favor for groom to support the girl in the future. While in Islamic society it is strictly prohibited. Demanding gift and expecting from brides family is not allowed.
     The practice of giving dowry is not a part of Islamic society. It does not stop father for giving gifts and feast for wedding but should not demanding and expecting from the bride’s father. Prophet (S.A.W) did not give dowry to any of his four respected daughters. In contrast to dowry Islam gives right in father’s property. Dowry is also never practiced in region of our four Caliphs (R.A).
    Dowry has been labeled as an anti-social practice and is banned or restricted by laws: The Dowry prohibition Act of 1961 was amendment in India and the Dowry prohibition Act of 1980 was amendment in Bangladesh. Also Pakistan has passed several laws to address the problem of excessive dowry demands. Women’s right to inheritance separate from the dowry are offered some protection in the Muslim personal law of Shariat of 1948.

    Pakistan passed dowry and marriage gifts (restriction) Bill in 2008, the bill restricts dowry to PKR 30,000 (US$300) while the total value of bridal gift should not exceed PKR 50,000. The law made dowry demands by groom’s family illegal, as well as public display of dowry before or during wedding as illegal. However, this and similar anti-dowry laws of 1967, 1976 and 1998, as well as Family Court Act of 1964 have proven to be unenforceable in Pakistan. Laws are present in written form and passed by the government but not implement in practical life.Majority of Pakistanis 71% believes the rich and educated class upholds the tradition of dowry the most in Pakistan.  56% people said it’s impossible for girls to get married without dowry. 26% said it’s possible for girls to get married without dowry.18% did not know or did not wish to respond.

    Dowry is not important for marriages in fact “it’s a great evil and blot” But unfortunately Pakistanis and other country people make dowry necessary and a part of tradition for their greed and selfishness. People only think about their selves and neglect their opponent family. But as Muslims we should never forget the teachings of our Holy Prophet (S.A.W), indeed, the Prophet (S.A.W) stated
    “The best marriage is that upon which the least trouble and expense is bestowed”. It is sad that we have departed from the teachings of the Messenger of Allah.
    High income and wealthy families give dowry at their daughter’s weddings easily but low income class or mediocre families face many problems to give dowry to their daughters. Daughter parents were helpless to give dowry because of their daughter’s happiness and makes daughter safe in In-law house. Also raises the status of women in family. But, disputes related to dowry. Sometimes result in acts of violence against the women including killing and acid attacks.

    Those families who cannot afford to give dowry their daughter’s remains unmarried or due to fewer dowries the In-laws tortures the girl. They abused, insults, passed the sarcastic remarks and in some cases Mother-in-law burn her Daughter-in-law for dowry.

    At over 2000 dowry-related deaths per year and annual rates exceeding 2.45 deaths per 100,000 women from dowry related violence. Dowry kills 7 women everyday according to official survey.21 women die every day because of dowry (unofficial survey) .Domestic violence is on the rise and many of these are caused by inadequate dowry.

    Dowry is a very bad thing and should be banned in all countries. Banning this tradition leads to happier life because it is source of stress among parents of girls. Girls should refuse to marry a boy who asks for dowry. There should be proper rules and laws about efforts to dowry. Proper steps should be taken to reduce this harmful disease in society. Dowry is becoming a convention in civilization gradually. Thus, parents have to stop demanding dowry. NGOS should be there and make honest efforts to curtain this practice.
                                                 Youth should stand against dowry