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.
A: The law of Shariah is that it is the responsibility of the husband to provide maintenance for his wife as well as to see to the running expenses of the home.
As far as the wife is concerned, she is commanded to remain at home to look after the children and see to the internal affairs of the home. For the husband to burden the wife with his responsibility of earning by expecting her to leave the home inorder to generate an income and contribute towards the running expenses of the home is not permissible and is tantamount to extortion in Islam. Obviously, this is against the pure and pristine teachings of Islam.
You should make sincere taubah for taking an interest bearing loan from the bank. There are severe warnings sounded in the mubaarak Ahaadith for the person who gets involved in the grave sin of interest.
عن جابر رضي الله عنه قال لعن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم آكل الربا وموكله وكاتبه وشاهديه وقال هم سواء (صحيح مسلم رقم 1598)
Hazrat Jaabir (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) cursed the one who consumes riba (interest), the one who feeds it to others, the one who records it (i.e. the transaction) and those who are witness to it (i.e. the transaction). Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) also said, “All of them are equal (in sin).”
Therefore you should make sincere taubah for getting involved in this grave sin and try your best to pay off the loan as soon as possible and refrain from this in the future.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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