Fatwa ID: 08660

 

 

Answered by: Maulana Nuski Cassim

 

Question:

 

My wife and I are going through divorce and would like to understand something in relation to child maintenance, as we have 2 young children.

 

From my understanding, the husband is to provide for the basic needs of the children. This also includes a portion towards home utilities (gas, water & electricity). However, I want to understand what portion towards these utilities is appropriate, given that my wife will be remaining in the house and taking ownership of it?

 

 

 

 

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

 

Answer:

 

Your understanding is correct in that the husband is responsible for providing for the basic needs of his dependent children.

 

The needs are limited to necessities such as clothing, food, medication and lodging. Given the fact that your ex-wife will be taking possession of the house and have ownership over it, you are not obliged to pay for her mortgage and other associated costs post-‘iddah.

 

You will, however, be required to pay a certain amount towards the necessary expenses associated with your children such as utilities bills (a certain percentage), groceries, clothing, as well as lodging. You are to work out a fair amount (dictated by past experience) that will be given to your ex-wife monthly towards this maintenance. Lastly, have all this legally documented and agreed upon to avoid future disputes or misunderstandings.

 

 

 

 

 

References:

 

وأما نفقة الولد فلقوله تعالى ﴿والوالدات يرضعن أولادهن﴾ [البقرة: ٢٣٣] إلى قوله ﴿وعلى المولود له رزقهن وكسوتهن﴾ [البقرة: ٢٣٣]

[بدائع الصنائع، ج. ٤، صفحة ٣٠، مكتبة الشاملة]

 

ونفقة الولد يختص بها الوالد لا يشاركه فيها الأم

[بدائع الصنائع، ج. ٤، صفحة ٤٠، مكتبة الشاملة]

 

وتفسير ذلك والوجه فيه ما ذكرنا ويستوي في نفقة المعتدة عدة الأقراء وعدة الأشهر وعدة الحمل؛ لاستواء الكل في سبب الاستحقاق فينفق عليها ما دامت في العدة وإن تطاولت المدة لعذر الحبل أو لعذر آخر ويكون القول في ذلك قولها؛ لأن ذلك أمر يعرف من قبلها حتى لو ادعت أنها حامل أنفق عليها إلى سنتين منذ طلقها؛ لأن الولد يبقى في البطن إلى سنتين

[بدائع الصنائع، ج. ٤، صفحة ١٨، مكتبة الشاملة]

 

وأما المبتوتة ففيها روايتان: في رواية: لا يجوز لها أن تأخذ الأجر؛ لأنها مستحقة للنفقة والسكنى في حال قيام العدة

[بدائع الصنائع، ج. ٤، صفحة ٤١، مكتبة الشاملة]

 

 

 

 

 

Only Allah knows best.

Written by Maulana Nuski Cassim

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham