Kalym made easy: the muftiyat simplifies life for grooms in Kazakhstan.

According to a statement from the DUMK, kalym can now be regarded as mahr. As justification, they cite a saying from the 19th-century theologian Ibn Abidin:

“If at the time of the marriage contract the dustoman was referred to as mahr, it is considered an early mahr, and the groom cannot demand a dowry. However, if the dustoman was not referred to as mahr, it is viewed as a gift given on the basis of mutual exchange. In this case, the groom is entitled to demand a dowry in accordance with custom.”

In this context, dustoman is nothing other than kalym.

The DUMK ultimately left the decision of whether to consider kalym as mahr up to the brides.

“The property given by the groom in the form of kalym can, with the bride's consent, be considered mahr and used for the dowry,” the muftiate explained.

At the same time, traditional wedding payments, such as "ana süti" ("for the mother's milk") and "äke engbegi" ("for the father's labor"), which are intended for the bride's parents, were not recognized as mahr according to the DUMK's decision. The same applies to the dowry acquired by the bride's relatives.