💰 Family finances · #60

A husband's income is irregular (for example as an e-hailing driver or food delivery rider). How can maintenance be planned?

Maintenance is assessed by real means, so fluctuating income calls for a budget based on the lowest month and a buffer fund for slow months.
Allah says: whoever has his provision restricted should spend from what Allah has given him, and Allah will bring ease after hardship (at-Talaq 65:7). In practice: work out the average net income over several months; set basic maintenance by the lowest month; save the surplus from good months in a separate fund; and be honest with your wife about real earnings. Gig workers have no employer contributions; consider voluntary EPF contributions and SOCSO cover for the self-employed, as well as takaful. Lawful work done with one's own hands was praised by the Prophet ﷺ (Sahih al-Bukhari 2072). If income is not enough, the wife may help willingly, and zakat assistance can be applied for. See Maintenance guide.

Sources

Surah at-Talaq 65:7Sahih al-Bukhari 2072Surah al-Baqarah 2:286

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Related questions

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This answer is general reference, not a fatwa. For your situation, consult the religious affairs office, a Syarie lawyer or your state Syariah Court.

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