Mohammed Aslam Parvaiz, Vice-Chancellor, Maulana Azad National Urdu in this video gives a very inspirational and thought-provoking lecture against ‘jahez’ or dowry. Citing Quran ayah he claims that is haram in Islam. He says the Quran has forbidden ‘khumr’ and ‘maysar’. He says the word ‘maysar’ has been translated as ‘gambling’ as it was the only money which was earned without effort at that time. Where as the correct translation of ‘maysar’ is easy money. Every earning which comes without effort is ‘maysar’ and dowry being one of them is haram.
Dr Parvaiz says the relationship of husband and wife is based on love and affection. But if a husband demands dowry the wife will never forget what her parents had to face to fulfil the demands of her husband and in-laws. Hence she will never give the due respect and love to her husband and in-laws.
Saying that demanding dowry is against the masculinity of a husband, Dr Parvaiz exhorts the young students to shun the tradition.