Is it not the wife's right to receive a salary for her work in her husband's pharmacy, and is it permissible for her to take money without his knowledge?
The fundamental role of a woman is in her home, raising her children. If someone performs work for another without a prior agreement on wages, then if they are accustomed to working for wages, they are entitled to the customary wage (ajr al-mithl). However, if they are not accustomed to working for wages, they are not entitled to anything, as they are considered a volunteer.
Therefore, if it is customary for a wife to work for her husband for wages, she is entitled to the customary wage. If the husband does not pay, she may take it without his knowledge (exercising the right of "al-Zafar bil-Haqq") for past work.
However, after she demands payment, either a wage must be determined, or she must agree to volunteer. If the husband insists on not paying and the wife agrees to work, she is not permitted to take payment without his knowledge.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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