KUALA LUMPUR: The practice of using "one round of Aurad Muhammadiah" as dowry has been ruled haram because it violates Islamic law and the chant has been declared deviant from Islamic teachings, said Penang Mufti Associate Professor Datuk Dr Mohd Sukki Othman.
Kosmo reported that Sukki said dowry is defined as anything beneficial and valuable, such as money, goods, or something of use, making it clear that using the chant as dowry contradicts Islamic law.
Sukki added that dowry is a compulsory gift a husband must give his wife as part of the marriage contract.
"When it comes to using Aurad Muhammadiah as dowry, it is absolutely forbidden. The practice goes against Islamic law and does not align with the concept of dowry in Islam," he said.
"It cannot be used as dowry, and it is ruled as haram."
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He cited the fourth verse of Surah An-Nisa, which clearly states that Allah commands His servants to give dowry to women.
"Prophet Muhammad also said: 'Seek dowry, even if it is only a ring made of iron (Reported by Bukhari)'."
Sukki said Islamic law does not impose a limit on the amount of dowry, as it depends on the couple's agreement and their social status.
However, he said, excessively high dowries are discouraged if they cause hardship for the groom.
"As Prophet Muhammad said: 'The best dowry is the one that is the easiest (Reported by Abu Daud)'.
"In another hadith, he said: 'The greatest blessings in a marriage are those with the simplest expenses'(Reported by Ahmad)'," he said.
The use of Aurad Muhammadiah, which has been distorted by followers of Al-Arqam, was banned by the government in 1994.
Police recently raided several welfare homes linked to Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISB) on suspicion of child exploitation.
Following the raids, several issues within GISB were revealed, including marriage ceremonies where followers used "one round of Aurad Muhammadiah" as dowry.