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Marriage is one of the blessings of Allah, and one of His signs. Allah says (what can be translated as):
“And among His Signs is this, that He created for you wives from among yourselves, that you may find repose in them, and He has put between you affection and mercy. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who reflect.” [al-Room 30:21]
Islam does not set up any fixed upper limit on the amount of Mahr. However, this does not mean that the bride or her wali can demand any unreasonable big amount of money. Islam recommends that the amount and kinds of Mahr should be made light and easy on the husband.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The best of marriage is that which is made easiest.” Narrated by Ibn Hibbaan, classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 3300.
And he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The best of mahrs is the simplest (or most affordable).” Narrated by al-Haakim and al-Bayhaqi, classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 3279.
Your Mahr can be of any form, whether it is the list of traditional items mentioned in your question, cash in advance, or deferred to a later date. It can be a property given to you upfront before marriage, or it can be as simple as your wedding ring.
