This refers to the report, “Expats launch anti-dowry campaign.” I totally support this campaign as well as appreciate those who raised the highly serious issue of dowry that affects the lives of countless women and their guardians. Today's so-called modern era is critically in need of awareness regarding Mahr and its true meaning according to Islam. We must follow the example of our Prophet (peace be upon him) and learn from his methods during the marriage of his dearest daughter Fatima (peace be upon her). Allah says in the Holy Qur'an: “And give to the women their dowry with a good heart.” (Al-Nisa:4). In regards to Mahr, one must remember the Prophet's Hadith: “Search for something, even if it is just a ring made from iron.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
In fact, Mahr or 'bridal gift,' is something that is presented by the husband to his wife in order to honor her, as the token of love and to give her the respect she deserves in society. It shows his serious desire to marry her and entering into the marriage contract by taking her as his complete responsibility. It also indicates that he holds a reasonable financial status and will be capable to fulfill her basic needs and expenses. No one, including her parents, siblings, friends or relatives, has the right to ask a share from her Mahr.
I have encountered many instances, where women and their families are made to undergo a lot of mental torture and pressure due to the insensible demands of the other party.
Many girls and their guardians have been victims of such fake innovations and some of them remain unmarried because of these silly requirements. Parents are made to feel ashamed on the birth of their daughters. Our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The best of the marriages is one which is least burdensome in the financial sense to the families of the bride and the groom."
We must spread the anti-dowry message via tools like the Internet, especially social networking websites, which target huge masses of people, in addition to other means mentioned by the social activist Saleem Farooqui. (Dr. Areej Rana, Jeddah)
KFUPM innovators
This has reference to the report about KFUPM researchers winning the prestigious innovation prize (July 9). Professor S.M. Javaid Zaidi deserves appreciation and accolades for helping devise the way for removing heavy metals from industrial waste water.
According to the report, "The Almarai Prize for Scientific Innovation is a national award, given only to meritorious people for their highly original work. Researchers from the Kingdom’s 37 universities, colleges, SABIC and KACST research centers and Saudi Aramco participate in the competition. The prize is given for outstanding research contributions in the selected scientific and engineering categories. This year, the prize was given for the contributions in the area of environmental science and engineering. The award consists of a cash prize of SR 100,000, a trophy and a certificate. Javaid Zaidi and S.U. Rahman invented and devised a new method and process for removing heavy metals from industrial waste water. They have been engaged in research for the development of components and process for clean energy and a clean environment at KFUPM. With the help of this device, the problem of toxic pollutants in waste water discharged into rivers and oceans can be solved, benefiting both the environment and human life."
This is a unique contribution that will save human lives as well as protect our environment. On behalf of Aligarh Muslim University alumni in the Eastern Province, I would like to congratulate Professor S.M. Javaid Zaidi on his achievement. He has made all of us proud. We wish him success in his future endeavors. (Mohammad Rahat Sultan, Alkhobar)
KFUPM innovators 2
We, the alumni of Aligarh Muslim University in Riyadh, congratulate the two KFUPM scientists and feel especially proud for AMU alumnus Professor S.M. Javaid Zaidi for giving us alumni a wonderful opportunity to hold our heads high. It is a grand honor for him as well as for our university. (Dr. Mohammad Ahmad Badshah, Riyadh)
Letters — Anti-dowry campaign
