THE dowry system is an old evil that still exists in Pakistan, Jehez being another name for it. Some people relate it to the tradition by the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) who gave some items to his daughter Fatima shortly after her marriage to Hazrat Ali.

The sole purpose of giving these items were that Hazrat Ali did not seem to have much to start a life with.

The custom first started in the Vaishya community of Hindu society but later all other communities in the Hindu society adopted this practice.

This became a part of Muslim society as well and soon all Muslims were following this tradition.

As far as the dowry given by parents voluntarily is concerned, it is not that bad matter.

But nowadays it has become a demand from groom’s parents. They ask the bride’s parents for a complete list to be presented before the marriage can take place.

So nowadays having traits such as beauty, fair complexion, skinny figure, good background, education and culinary skills are not enough.

But the trait that has become most worrisome for women is the dowry. Most girls are not able to marry becuase of this evil tradition.

As Muslims we should follow in the footsteps of the Holy Prophet and marry our daughters in a simple way and set standards for others to follow.

I request the government to enforce laws that prohibit this evil so that a man could marry off his daughter without any hassle of making arrangements for dowry.

SHEHZEEN ASIM
Karachi