Does a Wife Have Claims Over Her Husband’s Wealth? – Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Question

A husband fulfills his Islamic obligation by spending on and taking care of his wife’s basic needs, including housing, food, clothing, and travel. However, the wife claims his money beyond these provisions is also her right. He is forbidden from spending it on his parents, other family members, or personal items. She argues Islam dictates that her siblings take responsibility for their parent’s financial support.

I have explained to her that it is not her right to control his additional wealth as long as he is fulfilling her basic needs according to the concept of Naqafah. Another woman suggests that this behaviour should be tolerated for the sake of the relationship since all wives worldwide are like this.

Is it wrong for a Muslim wife to hold such views? Could you provide an answer and a Hadith reference regarding this matter?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate. May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to what pleases Him. Amin.

A husband must pay for the wife’s staple food, clothing per season, basic shelter, and articles for personal hygiene. Beyond this, the wife has no rights to the husband’s wealth, and Allah knows best.

Muslims are also obligated to support their parents and other family members financially. Please visit this answer for more details.

Apply Wisdom

It is vital to approach this issue with wisdom and understanding, seeking guidance from the teachings of Islam. In Islam, the relationship between husband and wife is based on love, compassion, and mutual respect. The rights and responsibilities of each spouse are clearly defined in the Quran and the authentic Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Husbands’ Responsibility of Nafaqa

As you mentioned, the husband’s responsible for providing for his wife’s basic needs, including housing, food, clothing, etc. This obligation is known as “Nafaqah.” The wife is entitled to receive these provisions from her husband, and he should fulfil this duty to the best of his ability. [Nawawi, al-Majmu‘]

However, beyond fulfilling her basic needs, the husband has the right to spend his money as he sees fit within Islamic principles. He can spend on his parents, other family members, or charitable causes as long as he does not neglect his responsibility towards his wife and children. [ibid.]

Substantiation

Allah says, “but the father of the child shall bear the cost of the mother’s food and clothing on a reasonable basis” [Quran, 2:233].

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “Their rights over you are that you should provide for them and clothe them on a reasonable basis.” [Muslim].

It was narrated that Mu‘awiya Al-Qushayri (Allah be pleased with him) said: I said: O Messenger of Allah, what are the rights of one’s wife over him? He said: “That you should feed her as you feed yourself, clothe her as you clothe yourself, not strike her on the face or curse her, and not forsake her except in the house (as a form of discipline).” [Abu Dawud & Ibn Maja]

Traditional scholars agree that the wife’s rights over the husband include maintenance and clothing because of the evidence above. [Ibn Rushd, Bidaya al-Mujtahid]

Additional Claims to the Husband’s Wealth

The claim made by the wife that she has the right to control her husband’s additional wealth and prevent him from spending it on his parents or other family members is not supported by Islamic teachings. Please visit this answer for more details.

Islam encourages kindness and maintaining good relations with one’s parents and family. The Quran instructs believers to be dutiful to their parents and emphasises the importance of upholding family ties [Quran, 17:23-24].

Regarding this matter, both spouses must engage in open and respectful communication to reach a mutual understanding and agreement. If the wife insists on her viewpoint, seeking counselling from a knowledgeable and pious scholar or an Imam who can provide guidance based on the specific circumstances is advisable. Allah knows best.

I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all.

[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Muhammad Abu Bakr Ba-Dhib

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar, Shaykh Taha Karaan.

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Mawlana Yusuf Karaan, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.

He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has served as the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and Al Jeem Foundation. For the last five years till present, he has served as the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has thirteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic online learning and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and pursuing his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.