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Q&A · Family

Is the husband obliged to financially maintain his wife and children?

Yes. Providing food, clothing and shelter in a reasonable manner (nafaqah) is an obligation upon the husband and father, not the wife, even if she is wealthy; Allah says, "Let a man of means spend according to his means" (Quran 65:7), and "Upon the father is the mothers' provision and clothing according to what is acceptable" (Quran 2:233). When Hind bint 'Utbah complained that her husband Abu Sufyan was stingy, the Prophet (peace be upon him) told her: "Take what is sufficient for you and your child, according to what is reasonable." A wife who has money may voluntarily help her household and is rewarded for it, but the legal burden of maintenance remains on the husband.

Evidence — the daleel
Quran 65:7Quran 2:233Sahih al-Bukhari 5364 ṢaḥīḥSahih Muslim 1714 Ṣaḥīḥ
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Informational, not a personal fatwa. Consult a qualified scholar for rulings on your situation.

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