Book of Maintenance
Introduction
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Book of Maintenance
The husband is obliged to furnish his wife with all that she cannot dispense with—food, drink, clothing, and housing—in a manner consistent with accepted custom; if they disagree, the judge will assess the matter according to their respective circumstances.
He is likewise responsible for the expenses of her personal hygiene: oil, sidr leaves used for washing, the cost of drinking water1, the means for purification from ḥadath and khabath (minor ritual impurity and physical defilement), and the laundering of her clothes.
If she is of a social standing where women like her normally have a servant, he must provide one, and he must also arrange a companion for her whenever need dictates.
Section
He must hand over her food at the beginning of each day. They may substitute something else for it if they both agree, but the judge has no authority to impose a cash replacement for sustenance2 without their mutual consent, and any figure he stipulates is not binding.
She is entitled3 to clothing at the start of every year, and she acquires ownership of it upon receiving it; therefore, nothing is owed for what is later stolen or worn out. Should the year end while the previous clothing is still serviceable, he must nonetheless provide garments for the new year4.