Can a Wife give Charity to Husband?

Question

Can a wife give charity to her husband, and will it count as valid sadaqah in Islam?

Bottom Line

Yes. A wife may give charity to her husband, and it is not only valid but also rewarded, as her husband and children have the greatest right over her generosity.

Quick Answer

Charity is not restricted by who gives or who receives, as long as it is halal wealth. The Prophet ﷺ confirmed that a wife giving charity to her husband is valid, and she will be rewarded for supporting those closest to her.

Key Takeaways

• A wife giving charity to her husband is valid and rewarded by Allah.
• Her husband and children have the strongest right to her generosity.
• Charity that begins at home brings double blessings: fulfilling family needs and earning rewards of sadaqah.

Detailed Answer

Islam does not place barriers around who may give or receive charity, so long as the giving is from halal wealth and with a sincere intention. The Qur’an encourages believers to spend from what Allah has provided, promising multiplied reward for every act of charity al-Baqarah 2:261

The Prophet ﷺ affirmed this when Zaynab, the wife of Ibn Mas’ood (RA), asked if her giving charity to her husband would count. He replied:

“Give it in charity to Ibn Mas’ood, for your husband and your child have the most right that you should give it to them in charity.” Bukhari 1393; Muslim 80

This Hadith clarifies that a wife’s sadaqah to her husband is not only valid but prioritized, as charity given to family fulfills both financial duty and the spirit of generosity.

Introductory Reflection (Ghazali style)

True charity is not measured by distance but by sincerity. What many overlook is that giving to those closest to one’s spouse, one’s children, is among the most profound forms of sadaqah. In supporting her husband, a wife is not just offering wealth but strengthening a trust that Allah Himself has placed upon her. When charity begins at home, it purifies the heart, heals the household, and radiates outward into society.

What This Means for You

If you are a wife with the means to give, know that giving to your husband is sadaqah in the sight of Allah. What may feel ordinary in the home is extraordinary with Him, multiplying your reward while fulfilling your family’s needs.

And Allah knows best.

References

Primary Sources

Qur’an

1. Al-Baqarah 2:254: Spend before a Day when no bargaining will help.
2. Al-Baqarah 2:261-262: Spending in the cause of Allah is multiplied.
3. al-Hadid 57:7: Spend from what Allah has entrusted you with.

Hadith

4. Bukhari 1393; Muslim 80: Zaynab giving charity to her husband, Ibn Mas’ood.
5. Bukhari 1344; Muslim 1014: Allah accepts only what is good in charity.
6. Bukhari 1374; Muslim 1010: Angels pray for the spender daily.
7. Bukhari 5073; Muslim 993: Allah says: Spend, O son of Adam, and I shall spend on you.

Secondary Sources

8. Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, Fath al-Bari, commentary on hadith regarding charity within the household.
9. Imam al-Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim, on the permissibility of giving charity to close relatives.
10. Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen, Sharh al-Mumti’, rulings on sadaqah between spouses.