Islamic Legal Perspectives on the Determination of Mahar Levels in Parigi Village, Tinggimoncong District, Gowa Regency

Abstract

Mahar, or dowry, is an obligatory gift from a prospective husband to his prospective wife as a symbol of sincerity and respect for women’s status in marriage. In Islamic law, mahar is one of the essential elements that determine the validity of a marriage contract; however, it does not stipulate a fixed amount, but rather adjusts to the husband’s financial capacity and the mutual agreement of both parties. Islamic principles emphasize simplicity and ease, as exemplified by the Prophet, who practiced giving modest and non-burdensome mahar. Nevertheless, in practice, some communities maintain local traditions that determine mahar based on social status and lineage. This study examines the practice of determining mahar levels in Parigi Village, Tinggimoncong District, Gowa Regency, where the majority of the population is Makassarese and still adheres strongly to ancestral customs. Based on field observations, the community applies a tiered system of mahar, or sunrang, divided into three categories: (1) noble descendants (Karaeng) with 28 reala, (2) commoners (Daeng) with 26 reala, and (3) migrants with unknown lineage with 20 reala. These categories are explicitly stated in the marriage contract and are binding on the groom, regardless of his economic capacity. This phenomenon reveals a tension between customary practices and Islamic legal principles, which ideally view mahar as a matter of mutual consent rather than rigid cultural obligation. Such traditions may create barriers to marriage, economic burdens, and even hinder the realization of marriages in accordance with Islamic teachings. Therefore, this research aims to analyze the Islamic legal perspective on the determination of mahar levels, drawing on the Qur’an, Hadith, and scholarly opinions, in order to find a point of balance between local customs and Islamic principles.