My sister’s husband does not provide for her, claiming he cannot afford to buy clothes. Is she entitled to receive zakah from my wealth?
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The questioner : I also have a sister whose husband does not provide for her, claiming he cannot afford such necessary items as clothes and the like. Given this situation, is she entitled to receive zakah, or is it the husband’s responsibility to cover the essential living expenses?
The Shaykh : There is no doubt that it is obligatory for the husband to cover the necessary and pressing needs of his wife, which are akin to necessities. If he refuses to do so while he is wealthy, she is permitted to take from his wealth, even without his knowledge, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) permitted Hind bint 'Utbah to take from her husband’s wealth what suffices her and her children in a reasonable manner. If she is unable to access his wealth and he does not spend on her what he is obligated to spend, then it is permissible to give her from the zakah only what satisfies her need.
The questioner : May Allah bless you.
The Shaykh : There is no doubt that it is obligatory for the husband to cover the necessary and pressing needs of his wife, which are akin to necessities. If he refuses to do so while he is wealthy, she is permitted to take from his wealth, even without his knowledge, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) permitted Hind bint 'Utbah to take from her husband’s wealth what suffices her and her children in a reasonable manner. If she is unable to access his wealth and he does not spend on her what he is obligated to spend, then it is permissible to give her from the zakah only what satisfies her need.
The questioner : May Allah bless you.