The funds that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, distributed were of two kinds:

Some had designated beneficiaries and prescribed uses, as in the case of inheritances. Others required his judgment, deliberation, and assessment. For some of Allah’s commands are precisely defined by religious law, such as the five daily prayers and making seven circuits around the House. In other cases, the amount is left to the judgment of the person commanded, who increases or decreases it according to the benefit pleasing to Allah.

Some matters of this kind are agreed upon, while others are disputed. For example, the jurists disagree about the maintenance owed to wives: is it fixed by religious law, or is it determined by customary practice, so that its amount and nature vary according to people’s circumstances?

The majority of jurists hold the second view, which is correct, because the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said to Hind:

“Take what suffices for you and your child, according to what is reasonable.”

He also said in his well-known sermon:

“Women are entitled to their clothing and maintenance according to what is reasonable.”

Likewise, they also disagree about what is required for expiations: is it fixed by religious law or determined by customary practice?

Thus, the distribution of wealth ascribed to Allah and the Messengers was governed by the command of