Can a wife sell or give away her mandated clothing if doing so harms her appearance or modesty?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Maintenance (Nafaqāt)
Primary text
If the wife intends to sell or donate the clothing, and this action would harm her state, compromise her ornamentation, or expose her, she does not possess the right to do so. This is analogous to prohibiting her from giving away her sustenance if it causes her harm.
Supporting text
If the sale or donation does not cause harm, there is a scholarly consideration for permissibility because she owns the clothing, resembling maintenance funds. Conversely, there is consideration for prohibition because, in one opinion, the husband has the right to reclaim the clothing upon divorce, unlike maintenance.