Although Islamic law gives women the right to own and control their income and property, many working women say they do not have the power to decide how their money is spent. They face pressure from husbands or family members to hand over their income. Legal experts and religious scholars say this is a clear violation of both the law and Islamic teachings.
Religious scholars explain that in Islam, both men and women have independent ownership. No one can take a woman’s money or property without her consent.
Abdulahad Ateed, a religious scholar, says, “From the perspective of Sharia, Allah gives both men and women the right to own property. Forcing a woman to hand over her earnings is oppression and sinful. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said it is not permissible to use someone’s property without their consent, whether it is a woman or a man.”
Legal experts confirm this. Mudaser Mumtaz, a legal expert, says: “According to Article 24 of the Civil Code of Afghanistan, a woman’s income belongs to her. Anyone who works—whether a man or woman—has full ownership of their earnings and property.”
Faizullah Haidari adds, “According to Sharia and the law, no one—husband, family, father, or brother—can take a woman’s income or stop her from using it. She has the right to spend it as she wishes.
Despite these rights, many women still struggle in practice. Fatima Ahmadi, a 29 years old teacher, says, “My husband decides how my income is spent. Sometimes I can give my opinion, but he always makes the final decision. He has forced me to hand over my full salary even when I needed it myself.”
Another woman named Zahra explains, “My salary is $200. Sometimes I can use part of it, but my husband takes the rest. Other times, he takes everything and decides how it is spent.”
Some women give their income to support their families. As Lina who is a 29 years old nurse from Maidan Wardak. She says: “I earn 12,000 Afghanis, and I give it all to my parents and brothers. They spend it on family needs because there are no jobs for them. I face financial problems, but I have to cover family expenses.”
Women’s rights activists say the government has a responsibility to address these problems. They point out that many women do not know their legal rights, so families take control of their income.
Homa Rajabi says: “Many women face pressure because they are not educated. They don’t know their rights, so they cannot defend themselves.”
Humaira Farhangyar also adds: “The government should find ways to stop these violations. Awareness programs through mosques, media, and social media can help people understand their limits over others’ rights.”
Even though Islamic law guarantees women’s ownership rights, social traditions, family pressures, and lack of awareness mean that many women still cannot control their own income.
Reporter: Zarafshan Sharifi
