I Am Sinful for Not Telling to the Government the Earnings of My Husband?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: Assalam alaykum

I am currently receiving benefits due tyo the fact that I’m disabled. The problem is if my spouse goes beyond the income limit they will lower or cut off my benefits. My husband got a job and is getting cash so the government doesn’t know about it. I know it is wrong and keep advising my husband to receive check so the government will know. I don’t want to receive money in a fraudulent way.

Is there any blame on me or it solely on my husband?

Answer: Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah,

If you are no longer legally eligible for the benefits you receive from the government, you should inform them of your changed circumstances.

There are two separate issues here: (1) your husband’s lack of transparency with respect to his earnings and (2) your right to benefits. The latter issue is your responsibility as it relates to an income you are personally receiving.

Generally, you should be wary of wrongfully acquiring wealth. If there is any doubt in your circumstances, consider speaking with an advisor who should be able to confirm the matter and then assist you in undertaking any corrective measures.

Please also see this answer.

And Allah Most High knows best.

wassalam,
[Ustadh] Tabraze Azam

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Tabraze Azam holds a BSc in Computer Science from the University of Leicester, where he also served as the President of the Islamic Society. He memorised the entire Qur’an in his hometown of Ipswich at the tender age of sixteen, and has since studied the Islamic Sciences in traditional settings in the UK, Jordan and Turkey. He is currently pursuing advanced studies in Jordan, where he is presently based with his family.