What is the ruling of Islamic law on a husband of moderate means who does not spend on his wife and children? And is what the wife spends on her household – such as rent, food, drink, clothes, and school expenses – counted from zakat, or is it her duty and not counted from zakat?
A husband must provide for his wife and children equitably, as he is legally responsible for them, and this is one of the reasons for his guardianship. He will receive great reward for this if he seeks it, and he sins if he neglects to spend. The wife and children should consider the husband's circumstances and be content with what Allah has given them. It is not obligatory for a woman to spend on her husband and children, but she will be rewarded if she does so with good intention. Paying house rent and family expenses cannot be counted as , because zakat is an independent right. A woman can compel her husband to fulfill his religious duties, or she can spend on her home and children herself and be rewarded for it, while still giving zakat to those who are eligible. It is permissible for a wife to give her zakat money to her poor husband.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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