Is a Husband Sinful for Refusing Wife’s Medical Expenses?
Hanafi Fiqh
Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel
Question
Is a husband sinful for refusing to pay for his wife’s necessary medication, even if he can afford it, based on the Hanafi ruling that medical expenses are not obligatory for him? What should she do if she has no money of her own?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.
While classical Hanafi rulings do not mandate medical expenses as part of marital expenses (nafaqa), many scholars stress that refusing necessary medical care—especially if the wife is dependent on him—is morally blameworthy and could be sinful. If his refusal causes harm to her health, he may be accountable before Allah for neglecting his duty of care.
Allah Most High said,
“And live with them in kindness.” [Quran, 4:19]
Given the considerations in such cases, please consult reliable local scholars about the specifics of the situation. Jazakum Allah khayr.
Please go through the valuable answers and links below. Insha’Allah, they will provide you with guidance and direction.
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I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Mawlana Ilyas Patel has received traditional education in various countries. He started his schooling in the UK and completed his hifz of the Quran in India. After that, he joined an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied secular and Aalimiyya sciences. Later, he traveled to Karachi, Pakistan, and other Middle Eastern countries to further his education. Mawlana has served as an Imam in the Republic of Ireland for several years and taught the Quran and other Islamic sciences to both children and adults. He also worked as a teacher and librarian at a local Islamic seminary in the UK for 12 years. Presently, he lives in the UK with his wife and is interested in books and gardening.
