Denmohor in English: What Dower (Mahr) Means, When It Is Due, and How Much You Can Claim
Denmohor (দেনমোহর) is the dower a Muslim husband owes his wife under the marriage contract. It is her property, not a gift, and it does not lapse because the marriage ends. This guide explains the terms in plain English and estimates what is outstanding.
- Denmohor = dower = mahr: the wife's property, owed by the husband
- Prompt (muajjal) dower: payable on demand
- Deferred (muwajjal) dower: payable on divorce or death
- If the kabin is silent, the whole dower is payable on demand (MFLO s.10)
- Sue in the Family Court within 3 years
In this guide: Key terms in English · How much is due · Divorce does not cancel dower · How to claim
The short answer
Denmohor in English is dower, also called mahr: a sum of money or property that the husband promises the wife as a condition of the marriage. It is recorded in column 16 of the kabin nama and becomes the wife’s own property. Prompt dower is payable whenever she demands it; deferred dower falls due when the marriage ends by divorce or death. Under section 10 of the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance 1961, if the kabin does not say how the dower is payable, the whole amount is payable on demand. Any part marked as paid at the wedding, often in ornaments, is deducted. A wife or her heirs sue in the Family Court, within three years of a refused demand or of the divorce or death.
Key terms in English
- Denmohor / mahr / dower: the amount the husband owes the wife under the marriage.
- Muajjal (prompt) dower: due immediately, payable on demand during the marriage.
- Muwajjal (deferred) dower: due on dissolution by divorce or death.
- Usul / paid dower: any part marked in the kabin as already given, in cash or ornaments.
- Iddat: the waiting period after divorce (three months, or until delivery if pregnant) during which the husband pays maintenance.
- Khorposh / maintenance: the husband’s separate duty to maintain the wife during the marriage and iddat, and the children.
How much is due
Start from the figure in column 16 of the kabin. Deduct what is recorded as paid at the wedding and any later payment you can prove. Ornaments handed over count only if the kabin or other evidence shows they were given as dower, not as gifts. Inflation does not increase the figure under the current law; in July 2026 the High Court Division issued a rule asking why guidelines should not be framed under section 10 to account for the falling value of long-deferred dower, so watch for change. The estimator above adds three months of iddat maintenance and any unpaid child maintenance.
Divorce does not cancel dower
Whether the husband gives talaq, the wife exercises delegated divorce (tafweez) or the marriage ends by the court, unpaid dower remains a debt. In khula the wife may agree to give up some or all of it, but only by a clear agreement. On the husband’s death unpaid dower is a debt of his estate, paid before the heirs take their shares.
How to claim
Send a written demand first. If it is refused or ignored, file a dower suit in the Family Court of the district where the wife lives, together with maintenance and, if relevant, child custody. Bring the kabin nama (certified copy from the kazi if lost), the talaq notice or Chairman’s certificate, and proof of income for the maintenance figure. The court must try conciliation first and can order payment by instalments. Limitation is three years: from the refused demand for prompt dower (art.103) and from the divorce or death for deferred dower (art.104).
Find the kabin
Certified copy from the kazi office if lost.
Work out the balance
Total, minus what is proved paid.
Written demand
Starts the clock for prompt dower.
Family Court suit
Dower, iddat and child maintenance together.
Common questions
What is denmohor in English?
Denmohor is "dower" (mahr) in English: money or property a Muslim husband must give his wife under the marriage contract. It is her property and is recorded in the kabin nama.
What is the difference between prompt and deferred dower?
Prompt dower is payable whenever the wife demands it. Deferred dower becomes payable when the marriage ends by divorce or death.
What if the kabin does not say whether dower is prompt or deferred?
Under section 10 of the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance 1961 the entire dower is then presumed payable on demand.
Does a wife lose her dower if she asks for divorce?
No. Unpaid dower remains payable whoever ends the marriage. In khula she may agree to waive part or all of it, but only by clear agreement.
How long do I have to claim dower?
Three years: from the date a demand for prompt dower is refused, or from the divorce or death for deferred dower.
Which court hears a dower claim?
The Family Court (Assistant Judge) of the district where the wife lives, together with maintenance and custody if needed.
Can the dower amount be increased for inflation?
Not under the current law. In July 2026 the High Court Division issued a rule asking why guidelines should not be made under section 10 for long-deferred dower, so this may change.
Is unpaid dower paid from the husband's estate after his death?
Yes. It is a debt of the estate and is paid before the heirs divide the property.
More in Family & Marriage
Divorce, marriage, child custody, dower and maintenance.
Dower still unpaid?
We send the demand, file in the Family Court with maintenance and custody, and press for an early settlement. A written assessment costs nothing.
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