What is the ruling of Islamic law concerning a wife who gave her husband 25,0 pounds from her inheritance for trade, then he denied her right, saying, "You have nothing with me," so she saved the same amount without his knowledge for fear of his treachery?
It is permissible for a woman to take from her husband's wealth, without his knowledge, an amount equivalent to her right, if he denies her right and she fears his injustice. This is known as the issue of al-Zafar (taking one's right by force or stratagem). Al-Bukhari supported this with the verse: "And if you punish [an enemy], punish with an equivalent of that with which you were punished." This permissibility is conditioned upon the husband's denial of her right after she has requested it from him, and her inability to obtain it except through this method. However, if she has not requested it from him, or if he has a valid excuse for not fulfilling it, then it is not permissible for her to take from his wealth.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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