Mahr as not a pillar in the marriage contract

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Q: Allah, the Most Truthful (Exalted be He), says: And give to the women (whom you marry) their Mahr (obligatory bridal-money given by the husband to his wife at the time of marriage) with a good heart Muslim scholars say that Mahr is one of the conditions of marriage, without which a marriage contract is not valid. The minimum amount of Mahr is one quarter of a Dinar (old Arab coin that equals 2.975 grams of gold). Please tell me what this amount is in US dollars, and may Allah grant you success.

A: Recording the Mahr is not one of the conditions of concluding a marriage contract. If someone concludes a marriage contract without recording the Mahr, the contract will still be valid. A woman should receive an amount of Mahr similar to what is given to women within her social class and this has no minimum. Any amount that can be considered of value is a valid Mahr, according to the most authentic opinion of scholars. It is related in a Hadith reported on the authority of Sahl ibn Sa`d (may Allah be pleased with him) who narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Give her anything, even if it is only an iron ring." (Part No. 19; Page No. 54) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.