Can a woman spend the money that her husband gives her on halal things as she wishes?

I am a woman who married for the second time. Is it permissible for me to save the money my husband gives to me as allowance and give it to my children from my previous marriage, who are financially in a difficult position? Is it regarded as haram since my husband does not know about it?

Dear Brother / Sister,

If a man gives his wife some money as allowance, that money belongs to her after that; she can use it as she wishes. However, if the man gives that money for the needs of the household and if the woman saves it from that money, it is not appropriate. However, if he gives it to her as allowance, she can spend it as she wishes.

If the head of the family does not give enough money for the sustenance of the children, it is appropriate to spend the money for their needs. As a matter of fact, Hind, the wife of Abu Sufyan (D. 31/651), asked the Prophet (pbuh) if she could take some money from her husband’s wealth for herself and her children without telling him; the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) gave her the following answer:

"Take what is enough for you and your children customarily." (Bukhari, Buyu', 95; Nasai, Qada, 31; Ibn Majah, Tijarat, 65; Darimi, Nikah, 54)

According to this explanation, if the husband does not give money to his wife though she needs it, it is not haram for the woman to take money from him without telling him in order to spend on things that are necessary for her and her children’s living. However, she cannot spend it on unnecessary things.

If her husband meets her needs legitimately and if he opposes to her spending his money without telling him, the woman has to obey him.

Questions on Islam