I would like to know that in Islam is it not permissible to discuss business matters with females of the family. The business decisions should be taken only by the male members. Is it true.
Bismillahi Ta’ala
Walaikum Assalam Warahmatullah
Islam affords both males and females honor in their respective genders. Both males and females have the capacity, potential and aptitude to do wonders in multiple fields. This means that while generally husbands tend to have businesses and financial astuteness, it does not exclude the potential acumen in these field from the wives. There are many women who run successful businesses from home, maintain it and even grow it beyond the male counterpart.
At the same time, at its core, Islam also affords both husband and wife their autonomy in their own financial decisions. This means that the possessions of a wife remain hers, and she may do as she please with her own money. The same is the case for the husband, except that he is held liable from Shariah to take care of those who are under his care (such as his wife).
In a family, however, it is recommended that a mutual consensual arrangement should be observed for family level decisions. If the wife has a good financial acumen, then it would be unwise not to consult her in the family financial decision-making. Similarly, after the consultation is complete, ensuring that the women are well-informed about the family’s financial responsibilities and standings, the decision will ultimately lie with the husband regarding his finances.
However, if the financial decision has to do with wife’s finances, then despite the consultation with husband (or any other male mahram) being recommended, final decision shall rest with her. Husband may guide her, and give her advices, but she may not be forced or manipulated into making decisions about her finances.
In cases where husband and wife both are earning, or where wife is the main breadwinner, then keep the base principle in mind that the finances essentially belong to the earner. The liability of taking care of family expenses still lie with the husband, although he may not be earning. In such cases, it is well-wishing on the wife’s part if she allows her finances run the family (as is an expectation of any successful family). Husband should appreciate this and try to gain the standing to be able to provide for the family by himself. In these cases, a very accommodating and amicable mutual understanding must be established so that rights of one or the other are not violated.
One last advice is that family level finances become one of the major reasons for communal dispute and marital troubles. Lack of consultation and communication between the husband and wife disconnects the wife from pertinent matters which affect the well-being of the family. As long as the head of the house does not perceive malice and foul play from the wife, a family will only grow stronger through genuine discourse and communication about all aspects which affect the family as a whole, and this includes financial discussions as well.
Wallahu A’lam
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Mufti Faisal al-Mahmudi