🌍 Children, inheritance & global · #114

My income is higher than my ex-husband's. Is he still obliged to pay child maintenance?

Yes; child maintenance (nafkah) remains the father's duty according to his means, even if the mother earns more. Allah says: “And the obligation of the father is to feed and clothe the mothers in a proper manner” (Surah al-Baqarah 2:233). The amount may be smaller because it follows the father's means, but the duty does not disappear. Your contribution as a mother remains valuable and rewarded, yet it does not erase the father's role. Receiving maintenance from him also keeps up his sense of responsibility and his bond with the children. Discuss a realistic amount and record it at the court. Read more on the child maintenance page.

Sources

Surah al-Baqarah 2:233

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This answer is general reference, not a fatwa. For your situation, consult the religious affairs office, a Syarie lawyer or your state Syariah Court.

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