The Ruling on a Husband’s Financial Support for His Employed Wife

Question:
If a woman works as a teacher in our current time, and spends most of her time outside the home, is the husband obligated to provide her with financial maintenance, and what should she do with her salary?

Answer:
This differs if she entered the marriage on the condition that he permits her to teach, and that her salary belongs to her. In that case, he must fulfill his obligation regarding her maintenance, as she is his wife, and he entered the marriage with knowledge of this condition. Muslims are bound by their conditions. She, in turn, must fulfill her obligations when she returns from work: she must attend to the duties of the home and the duties of her husband. He fulfills his duties, and they cooperate in righteousness and piety.
As for if they dispute, the court will adjudicate between them. If they agree that she will give him half of the salary, or the entire salary, or a quarter of the salary because of his permission for her to work, that is a matter between them if they reach an agreement; there is no harm in it between them. If they dispute, the courts will resolve the conflict, or some of the neighbors, or some of the relatives, will mediate between them and reconcile them so that they do not resort to the courts.