Child maintenance
As-salaamu ‘alaykum,
I am writing to inquire about the ruling of Islam regarding a father’s responsibility to provide maintenance for his daughter. My ex-husband divorced me while I was pregnant with our daughter, and the divorce was finalized shortly after her birth. Unfortunately, since our daughter’s birth, he has not shown any interest in seeing her or providing for her. When I asked him about contributing to our daughter’s maintenance, he refused. As a Muslim, I understand that daughters are a blessing and a mercy, and it is concerning to me that he has abandoned his responsibility towards her.
I would like to know what Islam says about fathers who neglect their daughters and what his duties are towards his newborn baby girl, who he has not even seen.
Thank you for your help.
Answer
Wa’alaykum as-Salām wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuhu,
It is obligatory upon the father to pay all the expenses of his daughter, even if he separated from the mother. Failure to do so will be regarded as a sin, and it is permissible to force him to pay for the maintenance, even if it means resorting to court.