Wife spending household money for charity?
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Question
A homemaker who does not "earn" her "own" money (i.e., independently of the husband) is apparently given some money by the husband--I'm not sure if it's exactly "to use at her discretion" or not. I think she is entrusted with managing the daily finances, while the macro-financing (of children's education, etc.), is what the husband does. The wife wants to give $500 in charity, and she thinks her husband will be upset if he finds out. She was going to try to do it behind his back, but she may choose to face his displeasure. In any case, what is the ruling on this type of action? Personally, I know the family has outstanding loans and some expenses headed their way-- does this make a difference, though, considering that the money she would use is what she considers "hers"?Answer
Walaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,
The default regarding the money given by the husband to the wife for household spending is that it remains the husband’s, and the wife has the permission to use it in the ways the husband would accept (i.e. in the interest of the household).
Unless the husband has clearly given the money to her as her’s, or given her permission to dispose of it beyond the normal interests of the household, it would be impermissible for her to give a large amount in charity without his permission. As for amounts small relative to their socio-economic standing, these would be fine to give in charity, as it is customarily acceptable to do so.
And Allah alone gives success.
Wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani
This answer was published by SunniPath and is preserved as written. Rulings can depend on circumstances; for your own situation, consult a qualified scholar.
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