Is the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) fatwa to Ali and Fatimah regarding household chores specific to a poor husband? And does the wife’s duty of household chores fall away entirely or partially if the husband is able to provide a maid?

A group of jurists holds the view, and it is the most preponderant opinion, that the wife is obligated to serve her husband in a reasonable manner. This obligation becomes more تأكيد (emphasized) if it was stipulated in the marriage contract or if it is an established custom. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, arbitrated between Ali and Fatima, ruling that Fatima was responsible for the internal services (household chores like kneading dough and cooking) and Ali for the external services. This is also what the noble Companions did in their homes, among them Asma bint Abi Bakr with her husband Az-Zubayr ibn Al-Awwam. Some scholars have taken the view that service is not obligatory, arguing that the marriage contract is for enjoyment, not for servitude. However, those who deemed it obligatory argued that this is what was customary among those addressed by the Qur'an, and that Allah Almighty says: ﴿ And due to them (the wives) is similar to what is expected of them, according to what is reasonable ﴾ and ﴿ Men are the maintainers of women ﴾. There is no valid distinction between the rich and the poor, or the noble and the humble, regarding service. If the husband is able to provide a maid, not all internal services are waived for the wife. However, the husband's assistance to his wife or providing a maid is considered an act of kindness, and it might be more beneficial for the children, allowing the wife to dedicate herself to their upbringing and education.