Does Islamic law obligate the husband to provide for his wife only in terms of food, without clothing and medical treatment? And what should the wife do if the husband is well-off but refuses to spend on her clothing and medical treatment, and refuses to return her gold that he took by force?
Among the wife's rights over her husband is maintenance according to what is customary, including clothing and food. If the husband is stingy, the wife is permitted to take from his money what suffices her and her child according to what is customary, without his knowledge. As for medical expenses, there is a difference of opinion regarding them, and the majority view is that the husband is not obligated to bear them. However, it is part of good companionship for the husband to pay for his wife's treatment. The husband taking his wife's gold and not returning it is clear injustice. It is advised to be patient and try to counsel the husband gently. If that does not work, she may refer the matter to the Sharia judge to compel him to fulfill his duty of maintenance if he is negligent.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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