Mahr is a term used in Islamic marriage contracts to refer to the obligation, in the form of money, possessions, or teaching of verses from the Quran, that the groom has to give to the bride at the time of the marriage. The word "mahr" is related to the Hebrew and Syriac words meaning "bridal gift" and "purchase-money," respectively. The mahr is a gift given voluntarily and not as a result of a contract, but in Muslim religious law, it was declared a gift that the bridegroom has to give the bride when the contract of marriage is made and which becomes the property of the wife. The mahr can be cash or any type of property given upfront before the marriage or split into advance and deferred payments. The amount and timelines for payment will depend on customary considerations under Islamic law. The mahr is an obligation according to the Holy Quran, and it is mandatory for the groom to give it to the bride. The mahr is the wifes right, and it is not permitted for her father or anyone else to take it except with her approval.