The money or property given or agreed to be given by bridegroom to his bride in a Muslim marriage is

Mehr (dower) is the money or property that the husband pays or promises to his wife as a mark of respect on marriage under Muslim law, and it belongs to the wife. Dowry is property given in connection with marriage, usually by the bride's family, and is prohibited by the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961; it is not the husband's obligation to the bride.