Does the hantaran money belong to the bride or to her parents?

It depends on the intention and agreement when it was handed over, because hantaran is a customary gift, not the mahr. In many places, hantaran is understood as a contribution to the woman's family towards the cost of the celebration. In other places, it is seen as a gift to the bride. The mahr, on the other hand, clearly belongs entirely to the wife, and no one may take it without her consent. State the purpose of the hantaran at the proposal to avoid confusion, for example: ‘This money is to cover the wedding feast.’ If there is money left over after the celebration, discuss it openly. If a dispute arises that cannot be resolved, the state Islamic religious affairs office can give guidance. See mahr (dower).