The society, especially the Muslim society of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh is now sitting on a volcano as the marriages of the daughters have become too expensive. About 90% of the expenditure on marriages are on non-Islamic rituals. ( The author’s another book on the subject titled “Mard Bbhi Jism Bechte Hain ….. Jahez Ke Liye” [Male prostitution or dowry?] ) describes the real picture of the situation.

The parents of the girls are suffering a social blackmail. A handful of rich Muslims who are, in the words of late Qazi Mujahedul Islam, the main criminals of destroying the society have made the marriages difficult for the poor and middle class by spending lavishly on the marriages.

A real Islamic marriage of a girl does not require a single penny. In Islam, it is the bridegroom’s responsibility to arrange everything needed for a new home. The man is ordered to pay dowry to the woman before touching her or later if she agrees. Instead of paying to the brides, the men collect from her guardians a lot of cash, furniture, car or bike, visa, air ticket, land plot or flat. Furthermore, the men enjoy the parties, especially the reception on the day of marriage on the expense of girl’s parents. Such type of reception is strictly illegitimate in Islam but people do not hesitate to make excuses in the guise of “system”, “culture”, “her parent’s wish” etc. Some argue that if the parents of the girl are giving by consent there is no sin in taking from her. This is double Haraam. In the words of Qazi Mujahedul Islam, no one gives by consent but due to the threat of girl’s future who will be taunted by her in-laws.

As a result, most of the marriages are mis-matched. The girl deserves a person whose cost is high. The father of the girl can afford a guy who is not qualified for the girl. Therefore, there are strained relationships, quarrels, murders, harassments and suicides after marriages. The Anti-Dowry laws were made to shun this practice but the law is being used for a revenge against each other.

There is a need to start a movement against the dowry, otherwise not only Muslim society but also the whole Indian society will be destroyed morally, socially and economically. To meet the expense of the marriages, the fathers and brothers of the girls are bound to adopt every illegitimate way like lie, bribe, cheating, killing, theft, land grabbing, corruption etc.

The life insurance policies which cover the marriage expenses of the daughters does not cost much if planned right from their birth. The parents do not have to cut short their savings kept for their retired life. Neither they will have to sell or mortgage their houses or jewellery nor they will have to beg for contribution from the uncles and aunts of the girl. They will get a suitable help according to their planning to see their daughters happy. The great advantage of such policies is that if the father does not survive until the marriage of the daughter, the remaining premiums are waived and she gets the sum assured.