Can a husband refuse to pay maintenance to his disobedient (naashizah) wife?

Answer

Literally 'naashizah' refers to a wife who is disobedient to her husband in lawful instructions and desires. However, in terms of the Shariah, a wife is a naashizah only if she leaves the house without the permission of her husband. As long as she remains in the home, her disobedience is not valid grounds for denying maintenance. Her nafqah remains Waajib while she is in the house.