Responsibility of a household on the husband or wife Q1. In Islam, can a husband force his wife to earn for herself and her children? And, if she does start earning then is the husband free from his responsibilities? A1. In Islam, the living expense of a family is the responsibility of the husband and not the wife according to the Qur'an, the Sunnah, and the consensus of all Muslim scholars. Allah said, “Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has made one of them to excel the other, and because they spend [to support them] from their means.” (Qur'an, 4:34) Allah, the Exalted said, “The father of the child shall bear the cost of the mother's food and clothing on a reasonable basis.” (Qur'an, 2:233) Mu'awiya Ibn Hayda said, “I asked the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) what is the right of someone's wife over him?' He said, “That you feed her when you eat and clothe her when you clothe yourself and do not strike her on the face. Do not malign her and do not keep apart from her, except in the house.” (Abu Dawud) A husband should not force his wife to work or spend on the family from her own wealth because that is his responsibility even if his wife is rich. However, if she wants to help him without any pressure then it is her decision. At the time of marriage if the girl puts a condition that her husband shouldn't stop her from working, then he should adhere to it and should not stop her from working until and unless there is a legitimate reason. And, whatever she earns from her job belongs to her unless she is willing to spend on her husband or her family. If such a condition doesn't exist and if the wife decides to work then she should get permission from her husband first. They can both mutually agree on spending a percentage of their income on their family to cover their expenses. Preference to parents or family Q2. If a husband's income is very low then whom should he give preference — his parents or his family? If he only sponsors one, family or parents, will he be answerable to Allah? A2. Muslims should take good care of their parents and it is the duty of a son to spend on his parents if they are in need. But, the responsibility of spending on his wife and children come first and one should try to provide them with all basic needs, such as, accommodation, food, and clothing. Then he should try his best to provide his parents with their basic needs. __
