A woman wants to fast voluntarily, but her husband objects to her fasting. Should she obey him or not?
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The questioner : This caller from Algeria, Abd al-Malik, says: If a woman wants to fast, meaning voluntary fasting, but her husband objects to that fasting, should she obey him or not? We ask for guidance on this matter.
The Shaykh : If a wife wants to fast a voluntary fast and her husband is present, it is not permissible for her to do so until he gives her permission. If he prevents her, it becomes forbidden for her to fast, based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) This hadith or its meaning. However, the husband should give her permission if he sees that his wife has a love for fasting, provided that it does not cause him hardship or deprive him of his right. He should allow her because that is helping in good, and it benefits her by her direct engagement in doing good, and it benefits him by his assistance in it. Furthermore, this makes her heart happier and strengthens her love for her husband, as he does not make things difficult for her or object to her. The matter in this is easy.
The questioner : Very well.
The Shaykh : Yes.
The Shaykh : If a wife wants to fast a voluntary fast and her husband is present, it is not permissible for her to do so until he gives her permission. If he prevents her, it becomes forbidden for her to fast, based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)
A woman should not fast while her husband is present without his permission.
لا تصوم امرأة وزوجها شاهد إلا بإذنهThe questioner : Very well.
The Shaykh : Yes.