⚖️ Polygyny: rulings & justice · #28

Must each wife's maintenance be the same amount in ringgit?

What is obligatory is that each wife receives sufficient maintenance according to the husband's means and custom ('urf); the ringgit amount need not be the same, because needs can differ.
Allah SWT says: let the man of means spend according to his means (Surah at-Talaq 65:7). For example, a wife with more children or living in a city with a high cost of living may need more. However, the husband may not reduce one wife's right in order to favour another. For gifts beyond the obligatory amount, many scholars recommend equality to protect feelings. See Maintenance (nafkah) and the Calculator.

Difference among the schools. Some Maliki and Hanbali scholars state that giving more than the obligatory amount need not be equal, but it is still forbidden if it causes harm or injustice to another wife.

Sources

Surah at-Talaq 65:7Surah 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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