💰 Family finances · #62
A husband often helps his siblings with money. Does he need his wife's permission?
The husband's money is his own, and he does not need his wife's permission to help his family, as long as his wife's and children's maintenance is fully met first.
Helping relatives in need is strongly encouraged (al-Baqarah 2:215), but the Prophet ﷺ told us to begin with our own dependants (Sahih al-Bukhari 1426), and it is sin enough for a man to neglect those he is responsible for (Sunan Abu Dawud 1692). Problems usually arise not from the help itself but because it is kept secret, eats into the household budget, or involves shared money and debt. The solution: discuss openly how much the monthly budget for helping both sides' families is; make sure your own family's maintenance, debts and savings are not affected; and avoid comparing his family with hers. A wife may likewise help her family from her own money on the same principles. See In-laws.
Helping relatives in need is strongly encouraged (al-Baqarah 2:215), but the Prophet ﷺ told us to begin with our own dependants (Sahih al-Bukhari 1426), and it is sin enough for a man to neglect those he is responsible for (Sunan Abu Dawud 1692). Problems usually arise not from the help itself but because it is kept secret, eats into the household budget, or involves shared money and debt. The solution: discuss openly how much the monthly budget for helping both sides' families is; make sure your own family's maintenance, debts and savings are not affected; and avoid comparing his family with hers. A wife may likewise help her family from her own money on the same principles. See In-laws.
Sources
Surah al-Baqarah 2:215Sahih al-Bukhari 1426Sunan Abu Dawud 1692 (hasan)