Zaid Alsalami's response to Is it necessary for the husband to work outside if instead the wife wants to work outside and the husband is happy to be at home and they are both happy with this arrangement?

Is it necessary for the husband to work outside if instead the wife wants to work outside and the husband is happy to be at home and they are both happy with this arrangement?

Zaid Alsalami, Shaykh Dr Zaid Alsalami is an Iraqi born scholar, raised in Australia. He obtained a BA from Al-Mustafa University, Qom, and an MA from the Islamic College in London. He also obtained a PhD from... Answered 5 years ago

Bismihi ta'ala

No, there is no "necessity" for the husband to work outside. The husband can work from home, or maybe due to circumstances be unemployed.

In regards to your question, there are two important points:

1. In Islam, it is wajib for the husband to cover expenses, as nafaqah is the husband's duty. If the wife wishes to pay for things, it is not her shar'i duty, and it is out of her goodness.

2. For the long term, it will not be good or mentally healthy for the husband to be at home all the time, with no work, or future ambitions, or being occupied with at least something useful for himself, his family or for the community. Therefore, it would be advisable that the husband somehow keeps himself busy in this case.

With prayers for your success.

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