Question for muslim brothers

Salaam,

I've had many discussions with sisters regarding this particular area. In my opinion since I live in the United States I think that we live in a society that both the man and the woman must contribute to the household. Even on a simple economic level in this country both people should work. I also think partially because I believe in both a man and a woman having their own financial status.

I believe that both men and women working can also help teach independence and also interdependence. There are many sisters who believe that a man should work and that it is his Islamic duty as provider. Although I don't disagree I hoever look at this as circumstantial because given the simple life that the early bedouins live in comparison to the life now it's difficult to do so.

As far as income is monies obtained I believe in threee acounts: A man's personal account, a woman's personal account and a Joint account. I believe that if a woman works part of her money should go to household expenses but if possible, she should also save part of her money for herself the same as a man.

Also to add to the subject that if the woman generates money (even if it is more than her husband) it is 100% hers and she can do as she pleases with. Hehe, it even says so in the quraan, just read the quraan again and again (incase you missed some points) and usually 90% of these questions will not even arise at all.  Women working as well helps improve her character and be a better support and understanding for her husband.  I told my mom and I was only 10 at Saudi Arabia of course (where such trash shows where not allowed at tv) I said to her..that if there is a situation where my future wife wishes to work for what ever reason I would rather stay home and take care of my child then let some stranger take care for them for me instead. I will never let my children be at the hands of stranger...I only pray that a situation will never arise where both parents will have to work...I will sacrifice lots of material goods if it means either one of us staying home and raising the children. After all...what is this work for..if it is not for the children and what is the society composed of? Parents who take care of their children in proper manners..I mean all this crimes in united state and prostitution and in the UK is because of bad family and family breakup structure.

I never really put too much concern in materialistic and money things...

Salaam,

Foody I'd have to respectfully disagree with you. Just because a woman works doesn't mean that her money is 100% hers. That is unfair. That is like if a man works then most of his money is for his family yet if a woman works all of her money is for her. That is vain and if any woman believes that her income she generates is solely for her is a vain belief. I believe that income generated should be partial and personal, not solely personal. Again I'm speaking from an Americans perspective. In today's age its hard for a man to work and just support his family. I know plenty of Muslim women who work as well as their husbands so its no big deal.

I don't think we are discussing the realistic stanpoint.

Let me readdress that my comment was based on economic sustainability in the United States. It's also common sense that a man cannot support his family alone by generating an income of $20,000 a year, that is what we call "the working poor." I believe that in Islam it is a man's obligation to support his family, however it is an obligation on both members to plan their expenses. Just because it doesn't say a woman isn't suppose to ue her money in the Qur'an doesn't mean she she use her money on herself. Also, sister if I may clarify that if the man doesn't have a job isn't the only reason a woman may spend her money. Again apart of marriage in my opinion is the joint effort not one-sided. Alas this reaffirms why I am not married to a Muslimah now...