Rights of Muslim Women in Case of Unpaid Dower

Dower is an essential element of marriages under Muslim Law. The Arabic term Mehr also means dower. Dower is an exclusive right of Muslim women to receive a sum of money from their husband before the marriage, at the time of marriage of at any point of time after the marriage. Dower enhances the security status of a Muslim wife in marriage but the Muslim wife is not entitled to receive dower under all circumstances. There are some situations where the Muslim wife is not entitled to dower. This study revolves around understanding the entire concept of Dower under Muslim Law. The study also briefly explains the objective and importance of dower. The paper also discusses how can a Muslim woman recover the unpaid dower and also discusses some of the relevant case laws with respect to the same.