Can A Woman Who Donates Her Mahr To Her Husband Return This Donation Later?

Can a woman who donates her mahr to her husband return this donation later?

A woman who donated the mahr she received to her husband may revoke her decision before delivering the mahr in question to her husband, as the said grant contract was not concluded. In other words, she may change her mind about the matter as the said donation did not take place. However, she may not reclaim her mahr once she delivered the said mahr to her husband (Mawsili, al-Ikhtiyar, III, 48, 52). If a woman who has not received her mahr yet renounces her rights on the said mahr, she may not change her decision once her husband accepted that offer. Because collecting (acceptance) is completed with grant contract as the debt is entrusted to the husband .

One must also know that the purpose of waiving mahr is to reinforce the commitment and unity between spouses. Renouncing of this decision regarding the donation of mahr, on the other hand, means to sever the said commitment and unity, which leads to lovelessness and inhospitality between spouses.

Source: Presidency Of Religious Affairs The Turkey, High Board of Religious Affairs FATWA