nafkah

Nafkah is an Arabic term referring to the obligation to provide for the basic living needs of certain family members. In religious and legal contexts, it denotes the financial support required to maintain dependents, such as a spouse, children, and sometimes elderly parents. The concept is rooted in Islamic law and is recognized in various national family laws, where it is defined and enforced by courts or other authorities.

The main forms of nafkah typically include nafkah bagi istri (maintenance for a wife) and nafkah bagi anak (child maintenance). During a marriage, the husband is generally responsible for providing the wife’s and children’s essential needs, proportionate to his means and the recipients’ needs. After dissolution of marriage, nafkah iddah applies to the wife for the waiting period following divorce or the death of the husband, and nafkah untuk anak may continue after divorce until the child reaches adulthood or becomes independent, as determined by the applicable law. Some jurisdictions also recognize nafkah bagi orang tua (support for elderly or dependent parents) as part of the broader obligation to care for family members.

In modern practice, nafkah is often codified in national laws and enforced through family courts. The amount and duration are typically based on the recipients’ needs, the standard of living established during the relationship, the number of dependents, and the payer’s ability to provide financial support. Failure to comply can lead to court orders and enforcement measures.

Nafkah remains a key element of family welfare in both religious and civil legal systems, reflecting a duty of care within the family and, in many contexts, a state's role in upholding it.