Q: My husband and I are married for the past five years but till to day he has not taken my responsibility and now we have a daughter and its the same with her. I have to keep asking for financial help from my parents and the income my husband brings is for his parents and siblings as he says they are his responsibility. I live in the UK and I get some money from the government because of my daughter and my husband expects me to run the house with that money. Even for our child’s clothes I have to ask my parents. Please can you tell me where do I stand and what are my rights in Islam. I have tried explaining to my husband that me and our child are his responsibility but he does not understand and all this is taking a toll on our relationship. I will await your reply.
A: It is totally incorrect for him to conduct in this way. In Islam it is the responsibility of the husband to fulfil the needs of his wife and family. Expecting the wife to shoulder all his responsibilities is totally unfair and unbecoming. We advise that you refer the problem to a pious senior Aalim who deals with these types of marital cases (preferably a person who knows your husband) and ask him to explain to your husband his marital responsibilities and obligations.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Zakaria Makada
Checked & Approved:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)