Is it permissible if the wife accepts grain or flour instead of the obligatory bread if they mutually agree?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Maintenance (Nafaqāt)

Book 46 · Issue 3 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If the husband gives her grain or flour instead of bread, it is permissible if they both consent. This is not considered a true contract of exchange because the Lawgiver only stipulated sufficiency, and whichever item achieves sufficiency becomes the obligatory provision. The resort to obligatory bread occurs only in a dispute, due to its precedence as the customary staple food.