Q. I have divorced my wife and she is sitting in Iddah. Do I as an ex-husband have any responsibilities to my now ex-wife? Do I have to pay my ex-wife’s medical/doctor’s bills?
A. In principle, it is the husband’s responsibility to provide financial support (Nafaqah) for his wife throughout the period of their marriage. This includes the necessities of life i.e. food, clothing and shelter. (Shaami 3/572) It also includes the responsibility of medical and doctor’s bill’s as this is also a necessity of life. (Al-Fiqhul-Islaamiy-Wa Idillatuhu 10/7381)
Furthermore, just as the financial support (Nafaqah) is the responsibility upon the husband throughout the marriage, this remains a responsibility upon a husband even after a husband issues a divorce to his wife (revocable or irrevocable) until her Iddah period terminates. Therefore, as an ex-husband, it will still remain your responsibility to provide financial support (Nafaqah) to your ex-wife until her Iddah period terminates. (Shaami 3/609)
Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ismaeel Bassa