What is the ruling on a wife stealing her husband's money when she is not in need of it?

If the husband provides his wife with what suffices her according to custom, then it is not permissible for her to take his money without his permission. If she does so, she is sinful and must return what she took. Scholars have differed regarding the ruling on one spouse taking from the other's money without permission: some consider it theft that necessitates cutting off the hand if it reaches the threshold (nisab), while others consider it a betrayal that does not necessitate cutting off the hand. This latter view is the relied-upon opinion among the Hanbalis in one narration, who believe that spouses are lenient with each other's money, comparing it to the relationship between a parent and a child. Some scholars, however, hold the view that cutting off the hand is warranted, as is the position of Malik and Ibn al-Mundhir. The wife should be advised and the ruling explained to her, and it is preferable to overlook small amounts to preserve the family.