Manama: Saudi social media users have heaped praise on a father who asked a young man asking for his daughter’s hand in marriage to pay only one Saudi riyal (Dh0.98) as dowry.
The father’s decision is unusual as dowries in Saudi Arabia and the rest of the Middle East are among the highest in the world and have often been an obstacle to marriages.
The father was moved after hearing that the groom, having withdrawn the money he planned to give as dowry, had been involved in an accident on his way to his future father-in-law’s house, 100km north of the capital Riyadh.
The money was stolen by someone at the scene of the accident during efforts to rescue the young man, local news site Sabq reported on Sunday.
Shocked by the loss of the money, the young man asked his fiancee’s family to postpone the wedding for one year to give him time to raise the necessary funds for the dowry.
However, the woman’s father insisted there would be no postponement of the wedding and asked his future son-in-law to pay only one riyal.
Social media buzz
The happy ending was immediately lauded by many on social media sites.
“May God bless the father and the rest of the family for their compassion and understanding,” Khalid, a blogger, posted. “I am confident the couple will raise plenty of money and beautiful children.”
Another blogger, writing under the moniker of Fadaytek, said: “A very noble attitude by the father who cared about the well-being of his daughter and the new couple. The father has displayed a high sense of understanding that has made life easier for many people.”
Abu Saud said that the father’s example should be emulated by those who insist on exorbitant dowries.
“Society should ease marriage conditions, mainly financial arrangements, to allow young people to get married and start lives together and ensure greater social stability,” he said.
In the Gulf states, attempts mainly by religious groups to bring exorbitant dowries demanded by the bride’s family to more sensible standards have failed to win over a largely status-conscious society.
Qatar in 2012 said it would build a multi-purpose wedding hall that Qatari couples could use free of charge for their celebrations and receptions.
The move is part of the state’s drive to encourage Qatari men and women to marry their fellow citizens and to meet increasing wedding expenses.
