The Muslim community of Rautahat has vowed to end dowry system in a bid to stop dowry-related violence.

The announcement was made at a gathering attended by more than 2,000 people in Rajapurpharahadwa VDC on Saturday and seconded by the participants. 

The gathering also decided to punish those who receive and give dowry during marriages.

Prof Maksud Saheb, a local Muslim leader, said dowry system must be put to an end in order to end domestic violence and other crimes which is rife in Muslim community.

“It is a crime to receive dowry in Muslim religion. Our holy text, Quran, is against dowry system. So we have taken the initiative to end this practice,” Saheb said.

According to Saheb, dowry system not only affects the life of a single woman but also her family.

It is the poor families who are affected the most because they are forced to provide dowry when marrying off their daughters or sisters.

“If they do not offer any dowry,” he said, “their daughters or sisters have to face problems at the hands of their husbands and in-laws.”

Shesh Wakil of Rajapurpharahadwa VDC-4 said there has been many incidents of murder and suicide as a result of dowry related dispute.

“Disagreements stemmed from dowry have also led to many divorces and breaking off of engagements. We hope this announcement will achieve the desired results,” he said.