What is the ruling regarding a husband telling his wife, "I am not socially responsible for you, and all you are entitled to is food, drink, and shelter"? And does this fall under the 'maintenance with kindness' (nafaqah bil-ma'ruf) that Ibn Taymiyyah referred to?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
It is obligatory for the husband to spend on his wife and children in a reasonable manner. The preponderant opinion is that the obligatory maintenance for the wife is what suffices her reasonably, taking into account the circumstances of both spouses. Luxuries or what the wife gifts to neighbors are not included in the obligatory maintenance. However, a well-to-do husband should not be stingy with his wife regarding what she requests for a permissible purpose, as this is part of good companionship.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/124566
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 124566
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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