Is it permissible to donate a portion of one's wealth secretly, without the knowledge of the spouse and family, for fear of their objection, especially if what is being donated is among one's most valuable possessions?

A woman has independent financial autonomy if she is an adult and of sound judgment, based on the Almighty's saying: (And test the orphans until they reach the age of marriage; then if you perceive in them sound judgment, release to them their property). So, if she is not foolish, her disposal of her wealth is permissible. Al-Bukhari said: "Chapter: A woman's gift to someone other than her husband and her emancipation [of a slave] if she has a husband, it is permissible if she is not foolish. If she is foolish, it is not permissible, as Allah the Almighty said: (And do not give the foolish your property)." Many pieces of evidence indicate the permissibility of a woman donating her wealth without her husband's permission, among which is what Al-Bukhari and Muslim narrated from Maymunah bint Al-Harith, that she freed a female slave and did not ask the Prophet (peace be upon him) for permission. He said to her: (Had you given it to your maternal uncles, it would have been greater for your reward).

However, if the woman fears that problems might arise with her husband due to her disposal of her wealth, especially if the amount is substantial, then she should seek his permission and be gentle with him, and explain the religious ruling, so that the good relationship between them may endure. The husband might also have a better opinion, so consultation in this matter is best. And in the Hadith: (She who pleases him when he looks at her, obeys him when he commands, and does not oppose him regarding herself or her wealth in what he dislikes).