What is the Ruling of a Husband Who Does Not Work?

Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel

Question

I wish to know about the consequences if a husband does not work, even though he is physically fit to work. It is the wife who works and does all the expenditures. The wife, however, does not mind whether her hubby works.

However, are they sinning because of that? Is there any hadith or fatwa that talks about the consequences of the husband not working?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

It is good of you to earn a livelihood for your family and allow the husband to do the household chores and other things. This arrangement between you and your husband seems to be mutually agreed upon for whatever reason, and you both seem to be a happily married couple. Thus, you are not sinning. However, an able man has to work; he is the caretaker and responsible.

Men are the Caretakers of Women

Allah Most High says, “Men are the caretakers of women, as men have been provisioned by Allah over women and tasked with supporting them financially.” [Quran, 4:34]

A Woman’s Primary Duty

A wife’s primary duty is being a mother and housewife. She can work, but working around these two duties is essential. This will ensure a happy home and a good upbringing for children. There are great benefits and wisdom in this setup which cannot be gained by both couples unnecessarily being in active employment.

A couple who often work delays or even avoids having children to pursue their careers, and if they do have children, they are left to be looked after by nannies. The kids are thus deprived of the motherly love, care, and affection that is so important for a healthy upbringing.

The Work of a Man with His Hand and Every Lawful and Blessed Sale

Hani ibn Niyar (Allah be pleased with him) reported the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) was asked, “What is the best earning?” The Prophet said, “It is an honest sale or a man’s work with his hands.” [Ahmad]

It has been narrated that ‘Isa (Jesus) (peace be upon him) met a man and he said, “what do you do? The man said I worship.” He said, who provides for you? The man said, my brother. He said, Your brother is more worshipful than you.”  [Abu Talib al-Makki, Qut al-Qulub; Ghazali, Kitab Adab al-Kasb wa al-Ma’ash]

Check these links:
Should Women Work? – SeekersGuidance
women’s rights Archives – SeekersGuidance
What Is a Woman’s Religious Role? – SeekersGuidanceReader on Women’s Ranks in the Hereafter – SeekersGuidance

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I pray this helps with your question.

[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani