High Bride Prices Delay Afghan Marriages, Push Young People to Migrate

In Afghanistan, the high bride price is delaying marriages and forcing some young people to migrate. Religious scholars deem this practice illegal, yet social pressures persist.

Young Afghans Await Marriage Due to High Bride Prices

In Afghanistan, the heavy costs associated with bride prices are prolonging the marriage wait for many young people and exacerbating social issues. Reports indicate that individuals like Faridullah, who has been engaged for five years, find themselves unable to marry due to exorbitant demands. The 28-year-old worker from Pul-e Khumri laments his inability to gather the required 700,000 Afghanis needed for the bride price.

Faridullah notes that aside from the bride price, other expenses related to engagement and weddings pose a significant financial burden that ordinary workers struggle to manage. Similarly, Shamsullah, a resident of Kabul, highlights that many young men are compelled to seek labor work abroad just to meet the costs of marrying.

Religious Scholars Concerned About Social Pressures on Marriage

Religious leaders emphasize that high bride prices are considered forbidden under Islamic law. Qari Noor al-Rahman Shirzad, a prominent cleric, states, “Demanding a bride price is entirely prohibited in Islam, and this practice must come to an end.” He urges the Taliban government to take serious measures to curb this undesirable tradition.

Nevertheless, many families feel pressured to conform to these societal norms, even if they view them unfavorably. A resident from Dehsabz district in Kabul expresses that poverty has driven families to demand money for their daughters, further intensifying social challenges.

Government and Community Efforts to Reduce Bride Prices

In recent years, the Taliban government has taken steps to mitigate high bride prices and has halted some forced marriages. Social agreements aimed at reducing these practices have been established in certain areas, but due to ongoing social pressures, these agreements are often disregarded.

Many residents insist that resolving this social issue requires the cooperation of religious scholars, community leaders, and families to alleviate the financial burdens associated with marriage.