Is it permissible for a wife to reclaim money she reluctantly gave to her husband without his knowledge, fearing a problem if she informed him, given her desire to retrieve the money?
The majority of scholars are of the opinion that a wife does not have the right to reclaim what she has given to her husband. However, some scholars permit her to reclaim it, especially if she gave it to him out of fear of his anger or harm. Ibn Qudamah mentioned two narrations from Ahmad regarding this: one states that she has no right to reclaim it, and the other states that she does, citing the hadith: "Only women and the worst of people reclaim gifts," and citing the action of Umar. There is a third narration from Ahmad which states: if she gave him her dowry upon his request, she has the right to reclaim it, because she gives it out of fear of his anger or his marrying another woman. But if she donated it willingly, she has no right to reclaim it. If the wife's gift was not given willingly, then she has the right to reclaim it. And if she fears discord, she may take her right from his money without his knowledge.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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