Question:
My husband does not provide financial support for me and my children. At times, we take some of his wealth without informing him. Will we be sinful for this?
Answer:
It is permissible for a wife to take from her husband’s wealth without his knowledge to meet her and her children’s basic and necessary needs, provided the following conditions are met:
“O Messenger of Allah! Indeed, Abu Sufyan does not give me and my children sufficient wealth to meet our needs, so I take from his wealth without his knowledge.”
The Prophet (ﷺ) replied:
«خذي من ماله بالمعروف ما يكفياك ويكفي بنيك»
“Take from his wealth in a reasonable manner, enough to suffice you and your children.”
[Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 17141]
If a husband neglects his duty of financial support, it is permissible for the wife to take a reasonable amount from his wealth without informing him, as long as it is within the bounds of necessity and moderation. Allah knows best.
(Shaykh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah bin Baz رحمه الله)
My husband does not provide financial support for me and my children. At times, we take some of his wealth without informing him. Will we be sinful for this?
Answer:
It is permissible for a wife to take from her husband’s wealth without his knowledge to meet her and her children’s basic and necessary needs, provided the following conditions are met:
- The Needs Are Genuine:
The wealth taken should only be for fulfilling legitimate and essential needs. - No Extravagance or Waste:
She must not engage in overspending or extravagance. - The Husband Neglects His Duty:
This is permissible only if the husband fails to fulfill his obligation of providing for the family’s basic needs.
Evidence from Hadith
This ruling is based on the authentic narration recorded in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. Aisha (رضي الله عنها) reported that Hind bint Utbah (رضي الله عنها) said to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ):“O Messenger of Allah! Indeed, Abu Sufyan does not give me and my children sufficient wealth to meet our needs, so I take from his wealth without his knowledge.”
The Prophet (ﷺ) replied:
«خذي من ماله بالمعروف ما يكفياك ويكفي بنيك»
“Take from his wealth in a reasonable manner, enough to suffice you and your children.”
[Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 17141]
Important Considerations
- This Permission Is Conditional:
The wife must ensure that the amount taken is only what is necessary and does not exceed what is required for her and her children’s basic sustenance. - Consultation if Possible:
If there is an opportunity to discuss the matter with the husband and resolve the issue amicably, this should be prioritized over taking without his knowledge. - Accountability Before Allah:
The wife should act responsibly, keeping in mind that she is accountable to Allah for any misuse or extravagance.
If a husband neglects his duty of financial support, it is permissible for the wife to take a reasonable amount from his wealth without informing him, as long as it is within the bounds of necessity and moderation. Allah knows best.
(Shaykh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah bin Baz رحمه الله)