Is My Wife Obligated to Give Me Her Income?

Answered by Sidi Faraz A. Khan

Question:  Assalam alaikum

I recently got married. My father-in-law told the following to me when the proposal was made. These were the pre-marriage promises made if i would agree for the match:

1. His daughter would contribute all of her salary towards my household.

2. He would also give a small home as an additional gift after the marriage is solemnized but did not mention when that would be.

After a short time, problems began to arise between me and my wife especially related to financial matters. My wife was unwilling to share her income.  Due to constant bitter arguing, I asked my wife to leave my home.

What i want to know is:
1. ….?
2. …?
3. Have i done anything wrong as per Islamic Shariah? If my father-in-law had promised certain matters before the wedding, should he and her daughter stick to them?

Answer: I pray this finds you in the best of health and faith.

With respect to your first two questions, given the considerations in such cases, please consult a local scholar about the specifics of the situation. Jazakum Allahu khayran.

As to your third question, your father-in-law had no right to promise his daughter’s money to your household. Her earnings are her sole property, and according to Sharia she is fully entitled to use her money as she sees fit. Her father has nothing to do with her money, nor do you. This holds true both before and after her marriage.

The ulama mention this explicitly regarding the dowry (mahr), and so a fortiori regarding her own personal income. [Qadri Basha, Ahkam Shar’iyya fi Ahwal Shakhsiyya]

And Allah alone gives success.

wassalam

Faraz A. Khan

Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani