Can a Father Force His Daughter to Work and Contribute to Bills?

Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad

Question

Is a daughter obligated to work and contribute financially to her family if her father is providing? Can a father force his daughter to work in Islam?

Answer

Quran

Allah (Most High) tells us, ‘We have enjoined on man kindness to his parents’ [Quran, 46:15], and ‘Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him, that ye be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor. And, out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say: “My Lord! bestow on them thy Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood.’ [Quran, 17:23]

Gentleness

I recommend you use an approach of gentleness and firmness with your father. Explain to him that he makes enough and your money doesn’t need to be used for the family. Mention to him that you would like to save for your education or other endeavour. Tell him that the children shouldn’t be made to contribute if everyone can live within his means and refrain from overspending.

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Allah is Gentle and loves gentleness, and He grants reward for it that He does not grant for harshness.” [Ibn Maja]

Please see more details here:

• Fiqh of Financially Supporting One’s Parents and Relatives
• When May Parents Be Disobeyed, and How?
• Rights of Children in Detail
• Rights of Parents
• Can a Mother Take Money From Her Children?
• Can We Ask Our Mother to Contribute to the Rent?

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin and completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.