Document Type : Research Article

Authors

• Ahmad Behi ¹
• Mohammad Mehryar ²

¹ PhD Student, Faculty of Law, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran.

² Assistant Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran.

Abstract

One of the major challenges in the Iranian legal and jurisprudential system is the issue of ambiguous dowry, particularly in cases where the dowry is stipulated in general or undivided terms without clear specification in the marriage contract. The central question of this article is: assuming the validity of such a dowry, what criteria may be deemed legitimate for resolving ambiguity and determining a definite subject matter? Given the divergence of opinions among Imāmi jurists and contemporary legal scholars, as well as the inconsistency in judicial decisions, this issue carries both theoretical and practical significance. Employing a descriptive-analytical method, the article examines the jurisprudential and legal foundations supporting the validity of relatively ambiguous dowries. Drawing on contemporary fatwas, court rulings, and general legal principles, the study identifies and analyzes five key criteria for resolving such ambiguity: 1) Customary Implication, 2) reference to an average standard, 3) option of determination left to the husband, 4) mutual settlement, and 5) alignment with the social status of the wife. The findings indicate that Iranian legislation, inspired by Imāmi jurisprudence, does not consider relative ambiguity an impediment to the validity of the dowry—provided that the uncertainty is remediable through one of the aforementioned mechanisms. Accordingly, the interpretation of Article 1100 of the Civil Code should be restricted to cases of complete and irremediable ambiguity.

Keywords

• Ambiguous Dowry (Mahriyeh-ye Mobham)
• Constructive Knowledge
• Relative Ambiguity
• Complete Ambiguity
• Customary Implication

Main Subjects

• Private Law