What is the obligatory maintenance (nafaqa) that a husband must provide for his wife and two children (a daughter aged five and a half and a son aged two), given that his net monthly income is 4000 Saudi Riyals?
Spousal maintenance is obligatory for the husband as long as the wife is under his marital bond and has not been divorced. However, if she is disobedient (nashiz), her maintenance is not obligatory unless she is pregnant or breastfeeding. The husband's financial capacity is taken into account, as Allah Almighty says: (Let a man of wealth spend from his wealth, and he whose provision is restricted - let him spend from what Allah has given him. Allah does not burden a soul beyond what He has given it. Allah will bring about ease after hardship).
As for the maintenance of children, it is obligatory for the father to the extent that it suffices their needs and covers their requirements for food, clothing, education, medical care, and housing. This is determined according to the family's standard of living and location, and is estimated by considering similar families or judicial rulings in maintenance cases.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy