Is the husband liable to provide for his wife and children if they are living separately?

Q: My sister is in Canada, married with 2 kids (age 11 and 2), and as per her marital difference and diffculties they both husband wife decided to live separate for few months to see if they can bring sulah in between them. In the mean time, the kids staying with the mother. As, per sharia law what will be husband and wife's responsibilities as far as naan/nafkhaa is concern for mother and kids? Does mother have to go to work to take care of house and kids where she will be living for this few months? Or husband will have to provide something from his side to support two kids and wife?

A: If the separation is with the consent of the husband, then the husband should provide maintenance for his wife and children.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

 

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)