🤝 Existing wife & prospective wife · #53
After my husband married again, I want to go back to work to be more independent. Do I need his permission?
Discuss it with him and seek his agreement as a matter of marital courtesy; wanting financial independence after he takes another wife is reasonable and often helps emotional stability.
Allah states that women have a share of what they earn (an-Nisa' 4:32). Many scholars permit a wife to work with her husband's permission as long as the work is lawful, safe and does not neglect her responsibilities; a husband should not forbid it without good reason, especially when the maintenance he gives has reduced or become irregular. A wife's salary remains hers, and his maintenance does not lapse because she works (Sahih al-Bukhari 5364 shows a wife's right to sufficient maintenance). Plan childcare, and if needed, record the agreement in writing. See the question on a wife working.
Allah states that women have a share of what they earn (an-Nisa' 4:32). Many scholars permit a wife to work with her husband's permission as long as the work is lawful, safe and does not neglect her responsibilities; a husband should not forbid it without good reason, especially when the maintenance he gives has reduced or become irregular. A wife's salary remains hers, and his maintenance does not lapse because she works (Sahih al-Bukhari 5364 shows a wife's right to sufficient maintenance). Plan childcare, and if needed, record the agreement in writing. See the question on a wife working.
Sources
Surah an-Nisa' 4:32Sahih al-Bukhari 5364Surah asy-Syura 42:38