Fatwa: #284
Country : New Zealand
Question:
Salam. I want to know if a wife if staying with her parents for some months (with the permission of her husband), does she have the right to ask for some pocket money from her husband for her daily expenses even if her basic needs like shelter, food and clothes are being met?
Answer
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته
حامدا و مصليا و مسلما
Muhtaramah
We have received your query regarding daily expenses for the spouse, our response is as follows:
Shariah commands the husband to provide his wife with Nafaqah (maintenance). Nafaqah entails providing the wife with shelter, food, and clothing. In addition to these necessities, it is recommended, though not compulsory, that the husband also provide his wife with an allowance to purchase whatever she may require for herself.
For a marriage to flourish, both spouses must be willing to make sacrifices for one another. It is contrary to a husband’s self-respect and honour to reduce his wife to a position where she has to beg for her basic items. Therefore, it is recommended that both spouses go beyond their obligatory responsibilities and make an effort to fulfil each other’s needs. This spirit of generosity, consideration, and sacrifice contributes greatly to a peaceful and blissful marriage.[1]
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Answered by:
Muhammad Irshad Motara
23rd Rabiul Awwal 1448
6th September 2026
[1] باب النفقة هي لغة ما ينفقه الإنسان على عياله وشرعا (هي الطعام والكسوة والسكنى)
(الدر المختار ٣/٥٧١-٥٧٢)