Abdullah Al-Dani

Okaz/Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Alsheikh has called upon the concerned authorities and social experts to study the issue of excessive dowry demands and find a solution to the problem.



"This issue should be reviewed by the pertinent experts and authorities and solutions should be suggested accordingly. Excessive dowry demands have become one of the biggest problems in society that needs to be addressed,” he said while also criticizing extravagant wedding ceremonies.



The mufti also described the phenomenon of young men putting off marriage until they are in their 40s as another problem that should be addressed. “Some young men say they do not want to get married at a young age and they want to enjoy life first and do not want to have any restrictions. Such thinking is dangerous and wrong."



Al-Alsheikh said if young men are financially capable of marrying, they should do so immediately and thank Allah for giving them the opportunity to get married and live a life free from sin. He underscored the important role society plays in encouraging men to get married at a young age and warned parents against turning down marriage proposals made by good Muslim men.



He also cited the saying of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) calling for accepting marriage proposals from young men of sound character.