Nafaqah of a Wife in Islam: The Concept of Maintenance in Islamic Jurisprudence

The literal meaning of Nafaqah is expenditure or spending. It refers to expenses related to religious obligations, family maintenance, and financial support for one's wife. In simple terms, any expenditure made from one's wealth, whether for personal use or for others, is considered Nafaqah. In Islamic jurisprudence, Nafaqah refers to the financial obligation of a husband to provide for his wife's essential needs, including food, drink, clothing, medical care, shelter, and beautification items.
The obligation of Nafaqah upon the husband is firmly established through the Qur'an, Sunnah, scholarly consensus (Ijma’), and legal reasoning (Qiyas). The primary components of Nafaqah include food, drink, clothing, and housing. The amount of financial support should be sufficient for the wife's basic needs, and its standard is determined by social norms ('Urf). If both the husband and wife are wealthy, then the standard of Nafaqah should reflect a wealthy lifestyle. However, if they are poor, the Nafaqah should align with a modest standard. In cases where there is a financial disparity between the spouses, the husband's economic status will determine the level of Nafaqah.
Furthermore, the husband is obligated to cover the medical expenses of his wife, as healthcare is considered a necessity. If a wife is unable to perform household duties due to illness or social status, then hiring a domestic helper is included in Nafaqah, provided that the husband has the financial capability. Likewise, the provision of adornments and beautification items is also an obligation upon the husband, but within the limits of his financial capacity.
In Islamic jurisprudence, Nafaqah is recognized as one of the fundamental financial rights of a wife. This research provides an in-depth analysis of Nafaqah, highlighting the views of Islamic scholars (Fuqaha) and discussing the criteria, scope, and financial obligations of a husband. The study further clarifies that, alongside other financial and non-financial rights, Nafaqah is an essential right of a wife in Islamic law.