Muslim organisations should encourage dowry-free and simple marriages

The report that a 36 year old Muslim man returned the dowry of Rs.51,000 and 20 sovereigns of gold to his in-laws in Tamil Nadu (India) should make people think about it and follow Islam which ordains men to give meher and not to take dowry at the time of marriage.

The Jamaat which was instrumental for this and Mr. Rahman who has done it in public deserve praise and congratulations. Other Muslim organisations particularly mosque jamaats should try to reform the Muslim community by encouraging dowry-free and simple marriages.

The poor should not try to imitate the rich in conducting lavish marriages and the rich should become models in solemnising simple marriages as per Islamic doctrines. According to Islam, the rich and scholars are the pillars of the society and it is their responsibility to show the right guidance to the community.