Financial Obligation On Wife
Question
My husband does not provide food, rent, clothing, etc., for me, nor our children. I am expected to provide for these needs yet I don’t earn a fixed income. I am considering seeking employment to meet these financial obligations. What are the financial rights of a wife over her husband?
Answer
Jurists explain that it is the duty of the husband to provide the wife with food, clothing and shelter, and not vice versa.
In fact, some of the jurists have stipulated seven things, viz; roti or bread, curry, items required for her adornment and beautification, clothing, necessary furniture and goods for the house, accommodation, and if the wife is from such a family that has access to a domestic worker, then a helper too. [Re: Fataawa Uthmaaniyyah Vol:6 Pg:391]
As such, you may kindly inform him that it is not your responsibility to financially support yourself and your children.
References (Arabic / Urdu sources)
النفقة واجبة على زوجها مسلمة كانت أو كافرة إذا سملت نفسها في منزله فعليه نفقتها وكسوتها وسكناها يعتبر ذلك لحالهما جميعا موسرا كان الزوج أو معسرا
(مختصر القدوري ص172)
- Answered by
- Mufti Abdul Kader Fazlani
- Checked & approved by
- Mufti Yacoob Vally Saheb
Where scholars differ, it’s safer to take the more cautious view.
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Source: Darul Ifta Ibn Masood — https://fataawa.co.za/financial-obligation-on-wife/
Fatawa SA: https://fatawa.co.za/fatwa/ibnmasood-40119