Revitalizing 'mahr' for Muslim women's empowerment within Türkiye's secular legal system

This study explores the potential of revitalizing mahr as a financial tool for Muslim women's empowerment within Türkiye's secular legal system. While mahr historically functioned as an economic safeguard under Islamic law, its financial significance has diminished in contemporary Türkiye. Current legal frameworks recognize mahr only as a donation rather than an enforceable marital asset. The study proposes modernizing mahr through integration with Islamic (participation) finance, utilizing financial instruments such as participation mutual funds and zakat-based funding. By structuring mahr as a savings or investment tool, particularly for disadvantaged women, it could enhance financial security, especially in cases of divorce or widowhood. Employing a case study methodology with an interdisciplinary approach that combines legal comparative analysis, financial modeling, and socio-economic assessment, this study evaluates the feasibility of this modernization. Findings suggest that formalizing mahr through standardized contracts and financial mechanisms would enhance its enforceability and functionality within Türkiye's dual finance system. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of improving zakat distribution efficiency to support women's financial empowerment. This research contributes to gender equity discourse by proposing an innovative financial mechanism that aligns with both secular legal norms and Islamic principles, fostering a more inclusive and equitable economic system. • Economic empowerment for Muslim women through sustainable financial asset. • Increased financial inclusion by integrating mahr into participation banking mechanisms. • Enhanced legal enforceability of mahr by formalizing it within a secular legal system. • Optimization of zakat funds by channeling surplus financial resources into productive savings/investments.