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Mahr (dowry) is one of the most important financial rights of a wife in an Islamic marriage contract. According to Article 1082 of the Iranian Civil Code, the wife becomes the owner of the mahr as soon as the marriage is concluded. Due to high inflation in Iran, accurate calculation of mahr — especially cash and gold-coin mahr — is crucial. This comprehensive and updated 1405 guide covers the official legal methods for calculating mahr, the Qazai formula, differences between cash and coin mahr, the 110-coin enforcement limit, and practical tips. What Is Mahr and When Can It Be Claimed? Article 1082 of the Civil Code states: “Upon the conclusion of the marriage contract, the wife becomes the owner of the mahr and may dispose of it in any way she wishes.” There are two main types of mahr: Indemnable on demand (ind al-matlabah): The wife can claim it at any time (default type). Indemnable upon ability (ind al-istita’ah): Claimable only if the husband has the financial ability (must be explicitly stated in the marriage contract). There is no legal limit on the amount of mahr that can be agreed upon. Couples may set any amount (gold coins, cash, property, etc.). How to Calculate Mahr at Current Value (Official Formula) 1. Cash Mahr (Rial/Toman) If the mahr is specified in cash, according to the Note to Article 1082 of the Civil Code (added in 1376) and its executive bylaw, it must be adjusted based on the Central Bank of Iran’s price index. Official Formula: Mahr at current value = Amount stated in the marriage contract × (Index of the year before payment ÷ Index of the year of marriage) Indexes are announced annually by the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran. For calculations in 1405, the annual index of 1404 is used. This formula applies only to cash (rial/toman) mahr. 2. Gold Coin or Gold Mahr If the mahr is specified as a number of Bahar Azadi gold coins (full, half, or quarter) or a certain weight of gold: The criterion is the current market price of the coin or gold at the time of claim or enforcement. The inflation-index formula does not apply, because gold and coins retain their value against inflation. Payable amount = Number of coins × Current market price of the same type of coin (based on the Gold and Jewelry Union rate or official market). Important Note: If both the number of coins and a rial amount are written in the contract, courts usually follow the clear intention of the parties and often prefer the current coin price. The 110-Coin Cap and Criminal Enforcement of Mahr (Status in 1405) According to Article 22 of the Family Protection Law (2012): Up to 110 full Bahar Azadi coins or its equivalent, enforcement of mahr is subject to the Law on Enforcement of Financial Convictions. Failure to pay and failure to prove insolvency may lead to arrest and imprisonment. Amounts exceeding 110 coins remain a valid debt and can be claimed through seizure of assets, but imprisonment does not apply to the excess. Status of the 14-Coin Proposal in 1405: A proposal to reduce the criminal enforcement ceiling to 14 coins was discussed in Parliament, but as of Mordad 1405 it has not become enforceable law. The current legal standard remains 110 coins. The right to claim the full mahr has never been limited to 14 or 110 coins. Steps to Claim and Enforce Mahr Apply to the Execution of Documents Office (Registration Office has priority). If not recovered through registration, file a claim in the Family Court. The husband may request insolvency (i’sar) and installment payment. Seizure of assets (except exempt property under the law). Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) How is mahr calculated at the current rate? For cash mahr, use the Central Bank index formula. For gold coins, use the current market price. Has mahr been limited to 14 coins? No. The principal amount of mahr is not limited, and the criminal enforcement ceiling remains 110 coins. How is mahr calculated if the husband dies? Mahr is a privileged debt and must be paid before inheritance distribution. For cash mahr, the index up to the date of death is used. Can mahr be paid in installments? Yes. If insolvency is proven, the court may order installment payments. Legal Consultation Services For accurate calculation of your mahr, preparation of claims, and professional legal representation, you can benefit from specialized family law consultation. Conclusion Accurate calculation of mahr requires attention to its type (cash or coin), the date of marriage, and official indexes. To avoid errors and ensure proper legal follow-up, it is recommended to use official judicial online tools or consult a specialized family lawyer. This article is based on the latest legal status as of Mordad 1405 and aims to provide precise and practical information.