Should the groom furnish his bride's home according to his financial capability, or in accordance with her desires, even if they exceed his capability?
There is a jurisprudential disagreement regarding the ruling on furnishing the marital home and whether it is obligatory upon the husband. The preponderant opinion is that it is obligatory upon him, taking into consideration the condition of the wife and the women of her community, as well as the husband's financial capacity, because it falls under maintenance (nafaqah) according to custom. Al-Mawardi mentioned that Al-Shafi'i prioritized food, then clothing, then blankets (dithar) and bedding (wita') as types of maintenance, and that winter blankets are indispensable. The custom of people varies concerning blankets, so the wife is entitled to what is customary in her community, and this varies according to the husband's financial situation, whether he is wealthy, of moderate means, or poor.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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