What is the required standard for the maintenance (Nafaqah) of a relative?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Maintenance (Nafaqāt)

Book 46 · Issue 1 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The maintenance required for a relative must be sufficient (قدر الكفاية) in terms of basic necessities like bread and accompanying food (Adham), and clothing according to custom. This amount is determined by what wards off necessity, mirroring the standard set for a wife. The Prophet, peace be upon him, instructed Hind to take what suffices her and her children according to what is right, thus establishing the standard of sufficiency for her and her son's maintenance. If a servant is needed, the provider must supply one, as this is part of completeness of sufficiency, similar to the ruling for a wife.