Hashimah

Hashimah refers to a specific type of Islamic marriage contract, often translated as "dowry" or "nuptial gift." It is a fundamental component of a Muslim marriage and represents an obligation of the groom to his bride. The Hashimah is agreed upon before the marriage takes place and is typically specified in the marriage contract. It can take various forms, including money, property, or other valuable assets. The purpose of the Hashimah is to provide financial security for the wife, particularly in the event of divorce or the husband's death. It is considered the wife's exclusive right and cannot be taken back by the husband, even if the marriage is dissolved. The amount and nature of the Hashimah are subject to negotiation and depend on the customs and financial circumstances of the families involved. While often translated as dowry, it differs from some traditional dowry systems where the gift is given by the bride's family to the groom's family. In Islam, the Hashimah is a gift from the groom to the bride.