Business and Dealings

Husband making his wife work and pay for the house expenses

Q: I have a question around financial obligation of a husband.

I have a property which I pay for in terms of mortgage. I also have two children whom I provide for as their father refuses to. I work full time and have a part-time income to make ends meet. Prior to marriage, I used to get tax credits that allowed me to pay my bills.

I have re-married. My husband initially paid me 1/4 of the household expenses which I thought was unfair. After numerous arguments he has increased it to 1/2 the sum. My husband earns 4 times what I earn. He is always out with his work colleagues under the pretext of a working dinner. He eats out at least twice a week. He is aware that I cannot afford the luxuries of going out with my friends as I have a low income. 

He lives in my house which I'm happy to share with him, however, when I ask him to share his money, he refuses. His argument is that he is providing for me.

Even down to the car I drive, is on its last leg... I've asked if I could share his car if I needed a more reliable car when he's not using it at which he's refused.

I'm expected to run the house as well as maintain a full time job as well as a part time job.

My situation has not improved after marriage. I'm made to feel like his maid. He pays his share towards the house, but there is no understanding or consideration towards me.

Can you please provide some guidance on this.

Taking an interest bearing loan to buy a house

Q: I want to buy a house but I can't pay full, or get an Islamic mortgage because of my finacial situation. I am staying in a rented property, and now the time has come for me to get my son married and we need a bigger house. I wanted to rent a house, but the price is also high. I don't get a housing benefit. Can I buy a house with a non-Islamic mortgage and try my best to pay the mortgage as soon as I can?

Purchasing products that have a cross

Q: As we have to buy products like sunscreens and medicine even from the non Muslims (if the ingredients are halaal), they sometimes put crosses on the packaging.For instance, a sunscreen package may have a cross, the same goes for some medicines or patches.

Is it considered haraam for us to buy such medicine or sunscreens if the packaging has a cross? 

Taking out medical insurance to do a liver transplant

Q: I currently live in Bangladesh. My father suffers from liver cirrhosis. I have plans to do Masters or PhD in USA. It is recommended for my father to do liver transplant but currently the liver transplant is not available in Bangladesh and in India it will cost 1-1.5 crore Bangladeshi Taka(currency), which is out of my reach.

When I start PhD in US, will it me permissible for me to buy an insurance for my father, take him to US and do the liver transplant and then send him back to Bangladesh? I cannot find any Takaful Health Insurance in US and don't know how the rest of the insurance work there.

Will it be permissible in a case like this? 

Working in a business that sells traditional muti products

Q: At work, I'm one of the buyer's for the cash 'n carry. They sell these traditional muti products amongst many other cosmetics, sweets, household items. These traditional muti products like tokoloshe salts, oils, etc. have phrases such as "win the lotto", "bring back lost love", "go away evil", etc. on its packaging. Now I have to buy these products, price it, promote it and so on, amongst other items. I really feel uneasy about it as its wrong and impermissible to sell according to my weak understanding. I don't know how to approach the boss and inform him. And the more heartbreaking thing is that one of the biggest suppliers of these products is Muslim owned, and also many of our Muslim brothers have specialized shops selling these products. What should I do and is my earnings doubtful or haraam?