Barter marriage

Q 2: What is the ruling on barter marriage in which two men (for example, two brothers) marry two women (for example, two sisters) from the other family when each of them gives Mahr (mandatory gift to a bride from her groom) to his wife?

A: If a man gives his ward in marriage to a man on the basis that the other will give his ward to him in marriage, this is the Shighar marriage which is forbidden by the Prophet (peace be upon him). This is what some people call “barter” marriage, which is an invalid marriage, whether a Mahr is given or not, and whether there is mutual consent or not. However, if a man proposes to marry the ward of another, and the other proposes to marry the ward of the former, without any stipulations, the marriages are done with the consent of both women and all the other conditions of marriage are met, it will be indisputably valid, and in such a case it will not be Shighar marriage. (Part No. 18; Page No. 428) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.