Marriage (Kitab Al-Nikah) - Sunan Abi Dawud 2111

A woman came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and said: Messenger of Allah, I have offered myself to you. When she stood for a long time, a man got up and said: Messenger of Allah, marry her to me if you have no need for her. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) asked: Have you anything to give her as dower? He replied: I have nothing by this lower garment of mine. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: If you give your lower garment, you will sit while you have no lower garment. So look for something else. He said: I do not find anything. He said: Look for something, even though it should be an iron ring. The man sought it but found nothing. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: Do you know anything from the Qur'an? He said: Yes, I know surah so and so, which he named. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: I have given you her in marriage for the part of the Qur'an which you know.

Commentary on the Hadith

This noble hadith demonstrates the Prophet's wisdom in facilitating marriage for those with limited means. The woman's initiative in offering herself reflects the Islamic principle that women have agency in marriage matters.

The Prophet's rejection of the man's lower garment as dower shows concern for human dignity - one cannot be left without basic clothing. The suggestion of an iron ring indicates that even symbolic dower is acceptable when one lacks wealth.

Most significantly, the acceptance of Qur'anic knowledge as dower establishes that non-material assets have value in Islam. This teaches that religious knowledge is precious and can serve as legitimate marriage consideration, making marriage accessible to the pious poor.

The ruling scholars derive from this is that teaching Qur'an is a valid form of dower, provided both parties consent. This reflects Islam's practical approach to marriage, removing financial barriers while upholding the requirement of dower as a sign of respect for the woman.