What should a wife do if her husband refuses to spend on her and their children, claiming poverty, while he spends lavishly on his other wives and conceals this from her, and she fears telling him of her knowledge lest he accuse her of spying?

The husband must spend on his wife and children according to his means, and be just between his wives if he has more than one. If the husband does not spend, claiming poverty, the wife can be patient with him and spend on herself and her children, and for that she will have a great reward, or she can refer the matter to the Sharia court. It is not permissible for the husband to oblige his wife to spend from her private money, for a woman has independent financial rights, and she is entitled to maintenance from her husband even if she is wealthy.