Nafqa (the wife's maintenance)

Islamic Fiqh > Marriage and family > Nafqa (the wife's maintenance)

The wife's nafqa: lodging, food, clothing by the husband's means, and the rule upon divorce and dispute cases.

Updated on 06 October 2026 at 10:50 PM

Sections of this page

The evidence among the classical schools

Al-Mughni by Ibn Qudama · Hanbali school

He said: "If he marries off his slave girl and stipulates that she remain with them by day, and that he send her to him by night, the contract and the condition are permitted, and the maintenance (nafqa) is due from the husband for the duration of her stay with him."

Frequently asked questions

What does the wife's nafqa cover?

Suitable housing, food, clothing, care, per the husband's means and the country's custom.

Is nafqa due if the wife is rich?

Yes: due by the husband in all circumstances per the jumhur; the wife's wealth stays her own property.

The husband refuses nafqa: what to do?

Seize the judge or competent instance: maintenance default is a judicial dissolution motive (see the tafriq page).

Sources and references

Other pages of this pillar

Explore other sections

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم Wed 24 Rabi' al-Thani
الأربعاء 24 ربيع الآخر
هلال متناقص Waning Crescent Day 25.4 / 29.5
Illumination 18%
New moon in 4 days
الحمد لله Praise be to Allah

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ وَمَلَٰٓئِكَتَهُۥ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى ٱلنَّبِىِّ ۚ يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ صَلُّوا۟ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوا۟ تَسْلِيمًا

God and His angels shower their blessings on the Prophet. O believers, you should also send your blessings on him, and salute him with a worthy greeting.

Al-Ahzab 33:56

Blessings on the Prophet ﷺ