Who has to provide for children in Islam?
The father does. In Islam, financially supporting children (called nafaqah) is the father's duty, whether the parents are married or divorced. A mother's own money and income belong to her, and she isn't obliged to spend them on the household, though many mothers choose to help. If the father dies or truly can't provide, the duty passes to other relatives.
The father's duty
The Quran places provision on the father. Speaking about nursing mothers, it says:
Nafaqah covers food, clothing, housing, healthcare and education, at a level that fits the father's means. The Quran says the wealthy should spend from their wealth and the one with less from what Allah has given him (Quran 65:7). The Prophet ﷺ called it a serious sin for a man to neglect those he's responsible for (Sunan Abi Dawud 1692, graded hasan), and said money spent on one's family brings the greatest reward (Sahih Muslim 995).
The mother's money is her own
A Muslim woman keeps full ownership of her salary, savings, inheritance and mahr. She can contribute to the family, and that's counted as charity and kindness, but it isn't owed. When Hind bint Utbah complained that her husband didn't give enough for her and her children, the Prophet ﷺ told her to take what was reasonably sufficient from his property (Sahih al-Bukhari 5364). In many modern homes both parents earn and share costs by agreement, which is fine as long as it's freely agreed. A related question comes up with zakat. See Does a husband have to pay his wife's zakat?
After divorce
Divorce doesn't end the father's responsibility. He still pays for the children's needs, and also pays the mother if she breastfeeds or has custody, according to his means. In Western countries this usually takes the form of court-ordered child support, and paying it fully and on time fits the Islamic duty. Trying to dodge it, hide income or use money as a weapon against the other parent goes against the spirit of nafaqah. See Can a Muslim woman ask for a divorce?
Until what age?
Scholars differ on the details:
- Sons: most say until puberty and being able to earn; many contemporary scholars include students still in full-time education.
- Daughters: Hanafi, Maliki and Hanbali scholars say until she marries (or has her own income); Shafi'is tie it to need.
- Any child with a disability or real need stays the father's responsibility.
If the father has died or is unable to pay, the duty moves to the paternal grandfather or other heirs, and some scholars say a well-off mother should step in.
- Supporting children is the father's legal duty in Islam.
- A mother's income is hers; her help is generosity, not an obligation.
- Divorce doesn't cancel it; paying child support fits the duty.
- The age limit differs by school, with need always considered.
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