The Solution to the Problem of Excessive Dowries

Question:

Excessive dowries are a social problem for which a solution must be found. What is your opinion regarding this serious problem?

Answer:

There is no doubt that excessive dowries are a social problem which necessitate cooperation between the government, the scholars and the eminent people in the country in order to solve it. It has been confirmed in the Hadith of 'A'ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, that the Prophet did not give more than five hundred Dirhams as a dowry to any of his wives and he is an example to be followed in his sayings and his actions. It has been reported from him that he said:
"The best dowry is the simplest one".

and he said:
"The most blessed of them is the one who takes the simplest dowry."

The Prophet married one of his Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, to a woman on the understanding that he would teach her something form the Qur'an, when he did not find any wealth to give her.

The Hadiths from the Prophet and the narrations from the righteous Salaf all prove the lawfulness of being flexible regarding the dowry, and not being extravagant in the wedding celebrations. There is no doubt that competing in these matters will enable the young men and women to get married earlier, and it will engender chastity in many young men and women, and protect society from the machinations of Satan and his whisperings. This is according to the words of the Prophet:
"O you young men! Those among you who can afford to marry should do so, for it restrains the eyes (from casting evil glances) and preserves one from immorality; but he who cannot afford it should observe fasting, for it is a means of controlling the sexual desire".

Source:
Ibn Baz
Fatawa Islamiyah, Vol. 5 Pages 301-302