Q: I have been married for seven years now. We had gotten married really young and from the beginning my husband was informed that I was my parents responsibility, and it has been seven years and he still refuses to Nafaka me. We fight about it all the time as I feel embarrassed to go around asking family members to assist me with financial needs. We have two kids and I perform all my duties as a mother and wife. I do not want to get divorced but I don’t know what more to say to him as he refuses to nafaka me. Please advise me as to what I should do.
A: Shariah commands that the husband provide his wife with Nafaqah. Nafaqah entails providing the wife with shelter, food, clothing and the necessities of life in accordance to their financial status and position. Apart from this, it is recommended though not an obligation that the husband also gives his wife a monthly allowance to purchase whatever she requires for herself.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)