Author: Dr. Muhammad Zia-ur-Rahman Azmi (رحمه الله)
Islamic teachings emphasize kindness and good conduct towards others, especially towards close relatives. The Quran states:
"Indeed, Allah commands justice, good conduct, and giving to relatives."
[Surah An-Nahl: 90]
Allah ﷻ also says:
"And worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and be good to parents, relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the distant neighbor, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are arrogant and boastful."
[Surah An-Nisa: 36]
Additionally, the Prophet ﷺ said:
"The best among you is the one who is best to his family, and I am the best among you to my family."
[Sunan At-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 3895 | Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith No. 1977]
Although it is not an obligatory financial duty, a husband should contribute to his wife's treatment according to his financial ability as an act of goodwill, love, and fulfilling the general Quranic principle of:
"And live with them in kindness."
[Surah An-Nisa: 19]
Thus, while it is not legally obligatory (wajib) for the husband to cover medical expenses, it is still encouraged in the spirit of good companionship and care.
[Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta: Fatwa No. 5851]
Islamic teachings emphasize kindness and good conduct towards others, especially towards close relatives. The Quran states:
"Indeed, Allah commands justice, good conduct, and giving to relatives."
[Surah An-Nahl: 90]
Allah ﷻ also says:
"And worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and be good to parents, relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the distant neighbor, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are arrogant and boastful."
[Surah An-Nisa: 36]
Additionally, the Prophet ﷺ said:
"The best among you is the one who is best to his family, and I am the best among you to my family."
[Sunan At-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 3895 | Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith No. 1977]
Is Medical Treatment an Obligation Upon the Husband?
A Muslim is required to treat his family with kindness and care. However, unlike food, clothing, and shelter, a husband's financial responsibility does not necessarily extend to covering his wife’s medical expenses.Although it is not an obligatory financial duty, a husband should contribute to his wife's treatment according to his financial ability as an act of goodwill, love, and fulfilling the general Quranic principle of:
"And live with them in kindness."
[Surah An-Nisa: 19]
Thus, while it is not legally obligatory (wajib) for the husband to cover medical expenses, it is still encouraged in the spirit of good companionship and care.
[Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta: Fatwa No. 5851]