A poor woman married to a poor man is entitled to the most basic bread of the locality, such accompaniments as suit him, clothing such as women like her wear, and seating of the kind they use. A woman of moderate means married to a man of moderate means, and a wealthy woman married to a poor man—and the reverse case—are entitled, according to custom, to what lies between these levels. He must bear the expense of his wife’s personal cleanliness, but not that of her maidservant; nor is he responsible for medicine or a physician’s fee.

His statement: “A poor woman married to a poor man is entitled to the most basic bread of the locality,” means that the judge assesses for a poor woman married to a poor man the most basic bread available in the locality, because the minimum is what he is obligated to provide. Thus, if she says, “I want such-and-such bread,” referring to one of the finest types of bread in the locality, the husband is not obliged to provide it.

His statement: “such accompaniments as suit him,” likewise refers to accompaniments suited to his means, which are less costly than meat, such as vinegar, tea, and the like.

His statement: “clothing such as women like her wear, and seating of the kind they use,” means that custom is referred to in this matter.

His statement: “A woman of moderate means married to a man of moderate means, and a wealthy woman married to a poor man—and the reverse case,” means: a poor woman married to a wealthy man.

His statement: “what lies between these levels, according to custom,” means: what lies between the maintenance due from a poor man and that due from a wealthy man.

His statement: “He must bear the expense of his wife’s personal cleanliness,” means that the husband must bear the cost of his wife’s cleanliness, such as water, sidr, a comb, and the wages of the woman who dresses her hair. This also includes oil, shampoo, and the like. Everything needed for the wife’s cleanliness is the husband’s responsibility, because this is part of maintenance, and he is obliged to provide maintenance in a fair and customary manner.

His statement: “but not that of her maidservant,” means a woman who serves her. The apparent meaning of this wording