We live in a time when many people know their rights…
But few remember their obligations.
And among those obligations… there is one that weighs heavily.
Heavily.
The nafaqah.
What does nafaqah mean?
The nafaqah (النفقة) is the obligatory financial maintenance that a person must provide to those under their responsibility.
It is not charity.
It is not a favour.
It is not “if I feel like it”.
It is an obligation before Allah.
It includes:
- Food
- Clothing
- Housing
- And everything needed to live with dignity
Who must pay the nafaqah?
Mainly:
1. The husband towards his wife
Even if she is wealthy.
Even if she works.
Even if she has more money than he does.
He is responsible.
Allah says in the Quran:
“Let the rich man spend according to his wealth…” (65:7)
There is no excuse.
2. The father towards his children
Especially if they are young or cannot support themselves.
It does not matter if they are with the mother.
They are still your responsibility.
3. In some cases: children towards parents
If the parents need it.
Yes…
The cycle reverses.
Something many do not want to hear
There are men who say:
“She can work too…”
“It’s 2026…”
“Everything is 50/50…”
No.
That does not change the law of Allah.
You can agree on things… yes.
You can make it easier… yes.
But the base responsibility remains yours.
And if you fail to fulfil it?
This is where it hurts.
The Prophet ﷺ warned:
“It is enough sin for a person to neglect those whom he is obliged to maintain.”
Enough.
You need nothing more.
Nafaqah is not only money
Here comes something deep…
It is not only paying bills.
It is:
- Caring
- Protecting
- Giving peace of mind
- Being a refuge
- And above all, listening
Because there is no point in paying…
if you destroy someone emotionally.
Brother…
Sister…
Nafaqah is not a modern topic.
It is a matter of amanah (trust).
Allah has placed people under your responsibility…
Will you fulfil it?
Or will you fail?
Because on the Day of Judgement…
you will not be asked how much you had.
You will be asked:
what you did with what you had.
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