High Bride Prices Postponing Marriage and Driving Migration Among Afghan Youth

In Afghanistan, the high bride price has delayed marriage for many young people and compelled some to migrate. Religious scholars deem this practice forbidden, yet societal pressures persist.

Afghan Youths Spend Years Waiting to Marry Due to High Bride Prices

In Afghanistan, exorbitant bride prices significantly hinder young people’s ability to marry and exacerbate social issues. According to reports, young individuals like Fareedullah, who has been engaged for five years, find themselves unable to afford the hefty dowries. The 28-year-old laborer from Pul-e Khumri states he cannot raise the 700,000 Afghanis required for the bride price.

In addition to the dowry, Fareedullah highlights other costs such as engagement and wedding expenses as considerable financial burdens that make it extremely challenging for ordinary workers. Shamsullah, a resident of Kabul, notes that many young people are compelled to migrate in search of labor in other countries to cover their marriage expenses.

Concerns from Religious Scholars and Social Pressures on Marriage

Religious leaders have asserted that high bride prices are legally impermissible in Islam. Qari Noorul Rahman Shirzad, a religious scholar, states, “Demanding a bride price is absolutely forbidden in Islam, and this practice must come to an end.” He urges the Taliban government to take serious action against this undesirable tradition.

Nevertheless, many families feel compelled to adhere to these social customs, even if they personally find them distasteful. A resident from the Dehsabz district of Kabul mentions that poverty has led families to demand money for their daughters, further escalating social issues.

Government and Community Efforts to Reduce Bride Prices

In recent years, the Taliban government has implemented measures to lower bride prices and has halted some forced marriages. Additionally, social agreements have been formed in certain areas to alleviate this practice, although these agreements are frequently violated due to societal pressures.

Many residents express that addressing this social problem requires collaboration among religious scholars, tribal elders, and families to mitigate the substantial costs of marriage.