💰 Family finances · #127

My husband secretly gave his younger wife a car. Is he obliged to be fair in gifts as well?

The fairness that is obligatory between wives is mainly in the rota (turn of nights) and maintenance (nafkah); in large gifts, a husband is strongly encouraged to be fair and open. Some scholars do not require extra gifts to be equal, as long as each wife's maintenance is sufficient. But a large gift given in secret almost certainly hurts when it comes to light, and Allah reminds: “do not incline wholly (to the one you love) and leave the other as if suspended” (Surah an-Nisa' 4:129). Avoid attacking your co-wife; this matter is between you and your husband. Choose a calm time, say how you feel, and ask him to explain the principle behind his giving. If the discussion reaches a dead end, a family counsellor can help. See rotation.

Sources

Surah an-Nisa' 4:129

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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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