10/07/2026
▪️Should the husband spend on his wife?
It is obligatory for the husband to spend on his wife according to his means. He does not have the right to make her pay for her own expenses, even if she is wealthy, unless she agrees.
▪️What must the husband provide?
The husband must provide his wife’s needs, including clothing, according to what is reasonable and within his ability. This does not mean he only buys clothes when they are completely worn out, nor does it mean he must buy new clothes every season if she already has enough.
Allah says:
“Upon the father is the mothers' provision and their clothing according to what is acceptable (on a reasonable basis).” [al-Baqarah 2:233]
Ibn Kathir said:
“It should be in line with what is customary among women like her in her country, without extravagance or stinginess, and according to what the husband can afford.” (Tafsir Ibn Kathir 1/634)
A working woman may need additional clothing for work, but this is not necessarily something the husband must provide. His responsibility is to provide clothing suitable for her home and permissible outings.
▪️Can the wife work and keep her salary?
If the wife had a condition in the marriage contract allowing her to work, and her work is permissible, the husband must allow her to continue. Her salary belongs to her, and he has no right to take any of it without her consent.
Allah says:
“O you who have believed, fulfill [all] contracts.” [al-Ma’idah 5:1]
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The Muslims are bound by their conditions.”
(Abu Dawud 3594; classed as sahih by al-Albani)
If working was not part of the marriage agreement, the couple may agree that she contributes to household expenses in exchange for allowing her to work.
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said:
“The husband is obliged to spend upon his family, upon his wife and children, on a reasonable basis, even if the wife is rich… He has no right to take anything from her salary… The salary is hers.”
▪️Should the wife give her salary to her husband?
The wife’s money belongs to her, and she is not required to give her salary to her husband. If she helps financially, it should be done willingly.
Shaykh Ibn Baz said:
“There is nothing wrong with you taking your wife’s salary with her consent… if she gave it willingly.”
(Fatawa Ibn Baz 20/44)
Spouses should not make money a source of conflict or treat marriage like a business partnership. The wife may support her husband willingly during difficulties, and the husband should avoid taking from her wealth because his role as maintainer is based on his responsibility to spend on her.
The husband should also distinguish between money the wife gives as a gift or help, and money she lends. A gift given willingly cannot be demanded back, while a loan remains her right to reclaim.
Allah says:
“Men are in charge of women by [right of] what Allah has given one over the other and what they spend [for maintenance] from their wealth.”
[an-Nisa 4:34]
And Allah knows best.
Source: https://islamqa.info/en/answers/126316/spending-on-a-wife-who-works