Rights and responsibilities
What a Wife Is Owed
Editorial team · 29 October 2025 · 7 min read
A husband who knows exactly what his wife is entitled to is in a much better position to give it willingly, rather than treat each right as something to be negotiated. So it is worth setting them out plainly.
Maintenance
The husband is responsible for his wife's food, clothing and housing at a level reasonable for their situation. This does not depend on her income. If she chooses to contribute from her own money, that is her generosity — not his entitlement.
Kind treatment
"And live with them in kindness" (Qur'an 4:19). Kind treatment is more than the absence of harm. It includes patience with her nature, gentleness in speech, help around the home as the Prophet ﷺ helped his family, and not airing her faults to others.
Presence, not just provision
A wife has a right to her husband's time and attention, not only what he pays for. Companionship, affection and intimacy are part of the contract, not favours granted when it happens to be convenient.
A marriage where rights are demanded but not offered becomes a ledger. One where each person competes to give becomes a mercy.
Her worship
He should make room for her prayer, encourage her learning, and never place himself between her and her Lord.