If a muslim woman chooses to work, does she have to use her money for the household?

Question

If a woman has a career or job, can she "hord" all her money, expect not to pay any rent or bills, and use her money as she pleases?

Is this selfish behavior and/or a twisting of the ahadith to her liking?

Answer 1

No it's not selfish because in Islam, the man has to pay for food, the household bills, clothes and feeding the children.

Apart from that, as far as I know, the man can give money for the wife to spend on perfumes, make up or whatever it is that she wants but doesn't NEED, but he doesn't have to pay for those extra things I've mentioned. She can spend her own money on those things or take it from him if he can give it

Answer 2

One of the beauties of Islamic Inheritance Laws is that the half that the female gains is for her and just for her. The full that the male gains is for him, his family, children, sometimes to support sister, and rarely his mother as well! So, for the woman working, I don't think that she has to give anything to the household. But if the husband can't totally support the family, I don't think the woman will be so non-sensical as not to give any of her money!

Answer 3

Bismillahi Rahmani Rahim

Salaam Alaikum wa Rahmatullah

Islamically speaking, the "ideal" is for the woman to be in charge of the household while the husband works outside the home.  If she decides to work, and that outside work means she cannot cook or clean or do laundry or take care of the children, then yes, she should be expected to kick in to pay for these things.  The husband's responsibility to pay for her maintenance does not include paying for daycare or someone to clean house or cook.  Obviously, if he wishes to do so he may, but he is not required to do so.

The marriage relationship should be one of love, mercy, and mutual consultation.  The couple should discuss these issues BEFORE marriage, so there will be no surprises.  The man has the right to not allow his wife to work unless she has stipulated in her marriage contract that she will have the right to work.  If she wishes to work because she'd rather work than clean house, this must be discussed before marriage so there are no surprises.  If there is an expectation that they will split the household duties, this has to be discussed beforehand as well.  If the to-be-married couple talks about all this honestly and openly beforehand, there will be no surprises afterwards.

Whatever arrangements the two wish to have, they may come to a compromise and do whatever they like without interference, as long as nothing forbidden is involved.  My husband just  yesterday met a man who was a full-time stay at home father.  He and his wife are both medical doctors, but fifteen years ago they decided that she was better at her specialty and could bring in a higher income.  She worked full time and he stayed home with the kids.  It was an arrangement they agreed to mutually and it has worked out well for them.  

Any decisions must be made openly and with mercy and kindness in mind.  Even if the wife is not required to spend of her income, she can choose to do so out of charity.  And Allah knows best.

Fi Aman Allah,

Nancy Umm Abdel Hamid

Answer 4

She is not "hoarding" her money. It is her husband's duty to take care of the bills, etc..... Just like if the wife chooses to work, the home and children are still HER duty. If working will not allow her to perform her duties, then she shouldnt work. However, back to the subject, it is her money to do as she pleases. If it pleases her to help the husband with paying the bills, then she should. Otherwise she can do what she wills with it.  Allah knows best

Answer 5

My husband makes me work, but lets me keep the money for myself.

Answer 6

The husband is financially responsible for the family.

yes, the muslim women can use her money as she pleases.

Answer 7

no she does not, it would be consider zakat if she does

Answer 8

Hmmmm..after I marry, I would want my wife and me to have a single account where we deposit both our incomes..

I wouldnt want her to have a separate account..

Answer 9

Ofcourse she doesnt need to use her cash for the household...it is not at all a selfishhhh behaviour