Is it permissible for a wife to waive her maintenance (nafaqa) for her poor husband while she is well-off?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The basic principle is that the maintenance of the wife and children is obligatory upon the husband. There is no blame upon the wife for waiving her right to maintenance; this act is considered a kindness and an act of worship for which she will be rewarded. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said to Zaynab, the wife of Ibn Mas'ud: "Ibn Mas'ud spoke the truth; your husband and your children are more deserving of the charity you give to them."
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/188378
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 188378
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy