❀When the Wife Does Good Yet Also Errs: A Balanced Ruling❀
This ruling is derived from the book “500 Questions and Answers for Women,” based on the fatāwā of the Scholars of the Ḥaramayn. Translated by Ḥāfiẓ ʿAbdullāh Salīm.
A wife saved more than 2,000 riyals from her husband’s money without his knowledge, from the portion allocated for household expenses. Her intention was to use that money to repay a debt her husband owed to her brother. When she unexpectedly informed her husband about this act, he initially reacted positively. However, later, he began to feel troubled and suspicious, eventually losing trust in her — despite her being a devout and pious woman with sincere intentions. Some malicious individuals further distorted the matter in front of her husband.
Now she seeks to know: Is she sinful for this act or not?
This woman’s action has two aspects — one praiseworthy and the other blameworthy.
✔ The Praiseworthy Aspect:
She had a noble intention: to relieve her husband from the burden of debt. Perhaps her husband was negligent in repaying others' rights, even when capable, and she feared he would delay her brother’s dues further. Out of a desire to help both her husband and her brother — who may have been in need — she took this initiative, believing it would serve a righteous purpose.
✘ The Blameworthy Aspect:
Her method, however, was inappropriate. It falls under a form of betrayal or dishonesty, as she used funds secretly which her husband had entrusted her with for daily necessities. This breach of trust, though motivated by good intentions, undermines transparency and could damage the marital relationship.
We advise the husband to show leniency and offer his wife the benefit of the doubt. He should recognize her sincerity and once again treat her as trustworthy and dependable. She meant no harm, and her act arose from concern and responsibility — not deception.
﴾ وَالَّذِينَ يُؤْتُونَ مَا آتَوا وَّقُلُوبُهُمْ وَجِلَةٌ أَنَّهُمْ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ رَاجِعُونَ ﴿
"And those who give what they give while their hearts are fearful, because they will be returning to their Lord."
[Surah al-Mu’minūn: 60]
[Shaykh Muḥammad ibn Ṣāliḥ al-ʿUthaymīn رحمه الله]
This ruling is derived from the book “500 Questions and Answers for Women,” based on the fatāwā of the Scholars of the Ḥaramayn. Translated by Ḥāfiẓ ʿAbdullāh Salīm.
❖ Question:
A wife saved more than 2,000 riyals from her husband’s money without his knowledge, from the portion allocated for household expenses. Her intention was to use that money to repay a debt her husband owed to her brother. When she unexpectedly informed her husband about this act, he initially reacted positively. However, later, he began to feel troubled and suspicious, eventually losing trust in her — despite her being a devout and pious woman with sincere intentions. Some malicious individuals further distorted the matter in front of her husband.
Now she seeks to know: Is she sinful for this act or not?
❖ Answer:
This woman’s action has two aspects — one praiseworthy and the other blameworthy.
✔ The Praiseworthy Aspect:
She had a noble intention: to relieve her husband from the burden of debt. Perhaps her husband was negligent in repaying others' rights, even when capable, and she feared he would delay her brother’s dues further. Out of a desire to help both her husband and her brother — who may have been in need — she took this initiative, believing it would serve a righteous purpose.
✘ The Blameworthy Aspect:
Her method, however, was inappropriate. It falls under a form of betrayal or dishonesty, as she used funds secretly which her husband had entrusted her with for daily necessities. This breach of trust, though motivated by good intentions, undermines transparency and could damage the marital relationship.
❖ Advisory Note to the Husband:
We advise the husband to show leniency and offer his wife the benefit of the doubt. He should recognize her sincerity and once again treat her as trustworthy and dependable. She meant no harm, and her act arose from concern and responsibility — not deception.
﴾ وَالَّذِينَ يُؤْتُونَ مَا آتَوا وَّقُلُوبُهُمْ وَجِلَةٌ أَنَّهُمْ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ رَاجِعُونَ ﴿
"And those who give what they give while their hearts are fearful, because they will be returning to their Lord."
[Surah al-Mu’minūn: 60]
[Shaykh Muḥammad ibn Ṣāliḥ al-ʿUthaymīn رحمه الله]
