Spending on the wife is one of the duties of marriage. It is part of living with her honorably and the kind treatment that Allah has enjoined. Let the rich man spend according to his means; and the man whose resources are restricted, let him spend according to what Allah has given him. The one who spends on his wife will have a great reward with Allah. The wife has to obey her husband, and look after his house and children, by takßing care of them.

As for the amount of maintenance, the guideline is what is sufficient. The Prophet said: Take what is sufficient for you and your child on a reasonable basis. (Bukhari & Muslim) Attention should be paid to the husband’s situation, whether he is rich or poor.