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Fatwa CenterExplaining verse [33: 50]
Question
Regarding dowry, what is the meaning behind Surat-ul-Ahzaab, (33:50) where it says, "...Any believing woman who gives herself to the Prophet if the Prophet wishes to wed her; This for thee, and not for the Believers." Jazaakum Allahu Khayran.
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.
The mentioned verse was revealed about the women who were made lawful to The Prophet 
in marriage. Among them is a woman who offers herself to the Prophet . It was allowed for him to marry her without bridal money. The verse further says that this ruling was special for the Prophet no Muslim can share this ruling with him. So, if a woman offers herself to a man to marry her without bridal money, then it is invalid because bridal money is one of the conditions of a marriage to be valid. If one marries without bridal money and constumates the marriage, then she should be granted the bridal money equal to that given to women in her status.
Imaam Ibn Katheer, May Allaah have mercy upon him, said in the interpretation of the above mentioned verse that Ikrimah, May Allaah have mercy upon him, said: ‘It means that accepting a woman who gives herself in marriage is only allowed except for you (i.e. the Prophet ). So, if a woman gives herself to any man in marriage she will not be lawful for him unless he gives her something (as bridal money).’
It is compulsory upon every man other than the Prophet to give bridal money for marriage, because Allaah Says (what means): {And give the women [upon marriage] their [bridal] gifts graciously}[Quran 4:4].
Allaah Knows best.
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