Q: How much dowry (mahr) is the norm here in South Africa? The potential bride is in her late forties and is marrying for the second time.
A. The guideline for this lady’s Mahr will be that which is prevalent among her family girls, such as her sister, paternal aunt, mother etc. In other words, she should enquire what the girls in her family who were similar to her in age, looks, etc normally received as Mahr. That would be considered the norm. If this is not possible, then the wife has the choice to fix a Mahr.
And Allah knows best
Mufti Siraj Desai