Historically, jehez is an old custom spawned by ancient laws of inheritance in the subcontinent which denied daughters their due share from their parents estates.
To compensate the deprived daughters, parents devised a system which enabled them to find a way of avoiding the law to give them large chunk of their wealth.
Gradually taking root in the society, the practice of doling out expensive items in dowry become a component of Hindu society. The custom then gradually became an incumbent aspect of Muslim culture as well.
We seem to have forgotten the noble traditions set by The Holy Prophet (pbuh) who gave only a few items to his daughter Fatima (ra) shortly after her marriage was solemnised with Hazrat Ali (ra).
The items gifted to her by the Holy Prophet (pbuh) included a manual grinding mill, a pillow, a chader, a mashkeeza and a few utensils made by of clay.
The Holy Prophet (pbuh) gave those items to his daughter, for the reason that Hazrat Ali (kaw) did not seem to have much to start a new life with.
Why have we not succeeded in purging this social evil? Should not the government enforce strong legislative measures to combat this menace. If we are serious in our desire and efforts to eradicate jehez, we should first try to prevail upon the rich to stop indulging in an unnecessary show of wealth.
Educating the people backed by the personal example of the powerful such as politicians will bring about the desired change in attitude to eradicate the social evil.
SHAHIDA NAZ
Lahore
totally agreed
am also totally agreed
Dear Shahida, it is a good effort to aware the common people about the curse of dowry.
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