Verses Indicating the Obligation of Spousal Support
Allah the Almighty has mandated that husbands provide for their wives in terms of food, drink, and shelter. The Holy Quran highlights these rights through various verses, as detailed below:
- The Almighty says: (الرِّجَالُ قَوَّامُونَ عَلَى النِّسَاءِ بِمَا فَضَّلَ اللَّـهُ بَعْضَهُمْ عَلَى بَعْضٍ وَبِمَا أَنفَقُوا مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ). This verse conveys that men are caretakers of women, obligated to support them financially, provide clothing, and ensure adequate shelter. The phrase “بما أنفقوا” indicates a broad interpretation of provision.
- In another verse, Allah states: (فَآتِ ذَا الْقُرْبَى حَقَّهُ وَالمِسْكِينَ وَابْنَ السَّبِيلِ ذَلِكَ خَيْرٌ لِّلَّذِينَ يُرِيدُونَ وَجْهَ اللَّـهِ وَأُولَـئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ). This highlights the importance of fulfilling the rights of relatives, emphasizing that one must provide to those in need according to their closeness and circumstances, a principle that extends to the wife’s right to financial support.
- The Quran further states: (لِيُنفِقْ ذُو سَعَةٍ مِّن سَعَتِهِ وَمَن قُدِرَ عَلَيْهِ رِزْقُهُ فَلْيُنفِقْ مِمَّا آتَاهُ اللَّـهُ لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّـهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا مَا آتَاهَا سَيَجْعَلُ اللَّـهُ بَعْدَ عُسْرٍ يُسْرًا). Scholars interpret this verse to emphasize two points: first, the obligation of providing support as indicated by “لِينفق” and, second, that the amount is relative to the husband’s financial capacity, allowing wealthier men to provide more.
- Lastly, the verse: (مَا اسْتَمْتَعْتُم بِهِ مِنْهُنَّ فَآتُوهُنَّ أُجُورَهُنَّ) outlines the intention behind the husband’s obligation to his wife, suggesting that the wife deserves to receive compensation for her contributions and rights within the marriage.
Verses Regarding Financial Support for Wives After Judicial Divorce
The Quran also addresses the rights of women in the context of divorce through the following verses:
- One such verse states: (يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ إِذَا طَلَّقْتُمُ النِّسَاءَ فَطَلِّقُوهُنَّ لِعِدَّتِهِنَّ وَأَحْصُوا الْعِدَّةَ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّـهَ رَبَّكُمْ لَا تُخْرِجُوهُنَّ مِن بُيُوتِهِنَّ وَلَا يَخْرُجْنَ إِلَّا أَن يَأْتِينَ بِفَاحِشَةٍ مُّبَيِّنَةٍ). This verse signifies the right of a divorced woman to remain in her housing during her waiting period.
- The verse: (وَإِن كُنَّ أُولَاتِ حَمْلٍ فَأَنفِقُوا عَلَيْهُنَّ حَتَّى يَضَعْنَ حَمْلَهُنَّ) highlights the requirement for providing support to a pregnant divorced woman until she gives birth.
- Additionally, the verse: (فَإِنْ أَرْضَعْنَ لَكُمْ فَآتُوهُنَّ أُجُورَهُنَّ) indicates that a divorced woman has the right to receive compensation for breastfeeding services.
Legal Rulings on Spousal Support
It is widely agreed upon that the financial support a husband provides to his wife is an obligatory duty. Scholars unanimously affirm that husbands must fulfill their financial obligations towards their wives, provided they are of maturity, with the exception of those exhibiting disobedience. The support should be sufficient, and in cases of disagreement, the judiciary may determine the appropriate level of support for the wife based on her needs.
Should a husband fail to provide the necessary financial support or offer an insufficient amount, the wife is entitled to withdraw from his assets to meet her necessities, with or without his consent. If he hinders her and she is unable to secure her needs, she may opt for divorce, and the court will enact a separation.