💰 Family finances · #48
Should husband and wife share information about their salaries, accounts and debts?
Yes, openness about financial matters that affect the family is part of honouring a trust, even though each spouse still owns their own property.
Allah commands that trusts be rendered to those entitled to them (an-Nisa' 4:58), and shared affairs are decided by consultation (ash-Shura 42:38). A wife is entitled to know her husband's means, because maintenance is assessed according to means (at-Talaq 65:7); a husband should likewise know if his wife carries a large debt that could affect the family. Openness does not mean every ringgit must be reported or banking passwords handed over; it means no large debt, loan or investment is hidden. A short list of assets, debts, nominees and takaful policies also helps the heirs if a death occurs. In polygamy, this openness helps ensure fairness in maintenance. See Family finances.
Allah commands that trusts be rendered to those entitled to them (an-Nisa' 4:58), and shared affairs are decided by consultation (ash-Shura 42:38). A wife is entitled to know her husband's means, because maintenance is assessed according to means (at-Talaq 65:7); a husband should likewise know if his wife carries a large debt that could affect the family. Openness does not mean every ringgit must be reported or banking passwords handed over; it means no large debt, loan or investment is hidden. A short list of assets, debts, nominees and takaful policies also helps the heirs if a death occurs. In polygamy, this openness helps ensure fairness in maintenance. See Family finances.
Sources
Surah an-Nisa' 4:58Surah asy-Syura 42:38Surah at-Talaq 65:7