🏡 Rights & responsibilities · #345

My husband looks after the home and children full time while I work, and he feels inferior. What can we do?

Caring for the home and children is noble and valuable work, whether it is done by the wife or the husband. Society sometimes looks down on men who stay at home, but the true value of work is measured by its benefit and responsibility, not by salary or gender. Appreciate his efforts openly and specifically so that he feels seen. Make sure this arrangement is truly a joint choice, not something forced by circumstances that breeds resentment. Remember that maintenance (nafkah) must still be managed together in a lawful way. The Prophet ﷺ himself “was always in the service of (helping) his family” (Sahih al-Bukhari 676), so serving at home lowers no one. See rights of husband and wife.

Sources

Sahih al-Bukhari 676

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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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