Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Term: SADAQ
Definition: In Islamic law, when a man marries a woman, he must give her a gift of money or property called a mahr. The amount and time of payment are agreed upon before the marriage. If the payment is not made, it becomes due on divorce or the husband's death. Even though it is based on religion, secular courts may enforce the agreement if it is like a prenuptial contract.
Definition: Sadaq is a term used in Islamic law to refer to a gift of money or property that a man must give to the woman he marries. This gift is known as mahr. Before getting married, the couple agrees on the amount and time of payment for the mahr. If the payment time is not specified, the outstanding balance becomes due on divorce or the husband's death. Even though the mahr has religious roots, secular courts may enforce it as a prenuptial contract if its terms are enforceable.
Example 1: A Muslim man and woman agree to get married. Before the wedding, they agree that the man will give the woman $10,000 as mahr. They also agree that the payment will be made in two installments, $5,000 before the wedding and $5,000 six months after the wedding. If the couple divorces before the second payment, the outstanding balance of $5,000 becomes due.
Example 2: A Muslim couple agrees to get married, and the man promises to give the woman a piece of land as mahr. They agree that the land's value is $50,000, and the payment will be made in full before the wedding. If the man fails to pay the mahr, the woman can go to court to enforce the agreement.
These examples illustrate how the mahr works in Islamic law. The mahr is a gift that the man must give to the woman he marries, and the couple agrees on the amount and time of payment. If the man fails to pay the mahr, the woman can go to court to enforce the agreement. The mahr is an essential part of Islamic marriage, and it ensures that the woman is financially secure in case of divorce or the husband's death.