Is the Prophet’s—peace and blessings be upon him—fatwa to Ali and Fatimah—may Allah be pleased with them both—regarding housework specific to the poor husband? And does the wife’s duty of housework fall away entirely or partially if the husband is able to provide a maid, or if he unintentionally delays in doing so?

Some scholars hold the view that housework is incumbent upon the wife, even if she is of high status and honor, if the husband is in straitened circumstances. The majority, however, hold that it is obligatory to provide a servant for the affluent wife who is not accustomed to serving herself or who is unable to serve herself. The jurists are in agreement that providing a servant is obligatory for a sick wife or one who is unable to serve herself, but they differ on its obligation for an impecunious husband; the majority hold that it is not obligatory for him. Accordingly, if the wife is unable to perform services, or is not accustomed to serving herself, and the husband is affluent, it is obligatory for him to provide her with a servant, unless the wife agrees otherwise. However, if the wife is capable of performing services, it is not obligatory for him to provide a servant.