My father takes half of my mother’s pension, claiming that he is responsible for the household expenses. Does he have the right to do so?

The questioner:
This listener says: My father and my mother are both working. When they receive their pensions, my father takes half of my mother’s pension, claiming that he is responsible for the household expenses. My mother is not happy with this, but she keeps it to herself to avoid problems in the home and the family. Does he have the right to do so? And if he does not have the right, what can we do about it, as his children? May Allah reward you with good.

The Shaykh:
This is subject to the conditions between them. If he stipulated that he would not allow her to go out or work unless she gave him part of her salary, then Muslims are bound by their conditions; it is obligatory for her to fulfill the condition and give him what he stipulated. However, if he did not stipulate this, the default is that her money belongs to her, and her earnings belong to her, except for what she willingly gives him. In any case, regarding the wife’s work and leaving the house, it is the husband’s right to prevent her from leaving the house, unless she stipulated in the marriage contract that she would continue working and he accepted that. Then Muslims are bound by their conditions. If she did not stipulate this, it is not permissible for her to leave his house without his permission, whether for work or for anything else. The husband has authority and guardianship. Yes.

The presenter:
May Allah reward you with good, and may Allah reward you.

The questioner:
He says: How should we, as his children, handle this issue between the father and the mother?

The Shaykh:
You must reconcile the father and the mother and settle the dispute.