Is a woman obligated to shortchange herself and her husband and give to her brothers, despite their complete dependence on her and their mistreatment of her, while she does not have enough for herself and her husband, and thus falls short in her duty to her orphaned, unmarried sisters who have no one to support them?

The maintenance of brothers who are able to earn a living is not obligatory. However, the maintenance of needy sisters is obligatory upon a capable and affluent sister if there is a surplus beyond her needs and the needs of those she supports.

If there is not enough to cover the needs of the provider, then maintenance is not obligatory upon her, as the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Begin with yourself, then with those you support."

If there is a surplus after the maintenance of the provider and those she supports, it should be given to the poor sisters. Whatever remains after that, she may give to her brothers or her husband, or save it for herself. It is advisable to maintain kinship ties and exhibit good character towards relatives.