Wife’s Personal Property and Husband’s Rights in Marriage.
Question
I seek guidance regarding a matter of ownership and rights within marriage. At the time of my nikah and rukhsati, my father gave furniture and household items (including a bed and mattress) for my use. At that time, I was living in my husband’s parents’ home. There was no explicit statement that these items were a gift to my husband or jointly to both of us; culturally, they were understood to be given by a father to his daughter as part of setting up her household. After approximately three years, my husband and I moved to Canada. I had to leave behind all those items in my in-laws’ home. Later, I found out that my in-laws are using some of those items, including the mattress that was given by my father. My husband had given them permission to use these items after we moved, without consulting me. When I asked him about it, he said that those items were given for both of us, therefore they belong to both of us, and he has the right to allow his parents to use them without asking me. When I expressed discomfort, he responded by saying that I am too attached to material things, that I am being materialistic and selfish, and that his family believes in openly sharing everything. He also suggested that because I did not grow up in a joint family system, I do not understand the value of sharing. My questions are: 1. In Shariah, if a father gives furniture and household items at the time of his daughter’s marriage, who is considered the owner of those items — the wife alone, or both husband and wife? 2. If the items were intended for the wife, does the husband have the right to allow others (including his parents) to use them without her consent? 3. If the wife does not give permission, is she Islamically blameworthy? 4. Is it permissible for the husband to belittle, shame, or accuse his wife of selfishness or materialism for not consenting? 5. Does Islam require a wife to share her personal belongings with her in-laws, or is this a matter of voluntary goodwill? I sincerely want to understand the Islamic ruling so that I may act correctly and justly. Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your guidance.
Islamic Ruling & Answer
VerifiedHere your answers:
(1) If the father gave the items to the daughter and there was no explicit statement of joint ownership with the husband, then according to Shariah, the items belong to the wife. Custom also supports that gifts given at the time of marriage are considered the wife’s property.
(2) If the items are the wife’s property, the husband has no right to allow anyone else to use them without her consent. The owner’s permission is necessary for her personal belongings.
(3) No, the owner has the right to decide whether to use or allow the use of her property. Refusing permission is not sinful in Shariah, although acting with good manners and kindness is virtuous.
(4) No, calling the wife materialistic, selfish, or shaming her is not appropriate. In case of disagreement, matters should be handled with wisdom and gentleness; blaming is not acceptable.
(5) Islam does not obligate a wife to share her personal belongings with her in-laws. Sharing is a matter of goodwill, love, and good manners, not a compulsory duty.
Be patient and act with love, avoid disputes over small matters, respect each other’s rights, and maintain peace and harmony in the home.
Answered by
Mufti Tosif Qasmi
March 04, 2026
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