What is the order of priority for mandatory financial support (Nafaqah) when an individual's surplus wealth only covers the maintenance of one person?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Maintenance (Nafaqāt)
Primary text
If an individual has only enough wealth for the maintenance of one person beyond his own, that maintenance is due to his wife, taking precedence over relatives. This is based on the Prophet's saying: If one of you is poor, let him start with himself, if he has a surplus, then it is for his dependents (family), and if he still has a surplus, then it is for his relatives. Furthermore, the wife's maintenance is obligatory as a compensation (Mu'awadah), whereas the maintenance of a relative is merely an act of compassion (Muwāsāh). Compensation takes precedence over mere compassion. This is evidenced by the obligation of the wife's maintenance even during financial hardship (Isār), which is not the case for relative maintenance. The wife's maintenance is also prioritized because it stems from necessity, just like one's own maintenance.
Supporting text
Following the wife's maintenance, priority is given to the maintenance of slaves (Raqīq) because their maintenance is obligatory regardless of wealth or hardship, thus taking precedence over the mere compassion owed to relatives. After this, maintenance is due to relatives in order of proximity (Al-Aqrab fall-Aqrab).