Nafkah Batin: a husband's non-financial duties

Nafkah batin refers to a husband’s duties toward his wife that are not financial, including affection, fair treatment, and a reasonable marital relationship. It differs from nafkah zahir, which covers money, food, and housing.

Nafkah batin issues often come up in fasakh cases, for example when a husband neglects his wife emotionally or in the relationship over a long period without reasonable cause. While hard to prove financially, witness testimony and patterns of behaviour can support this as evidence in court.

Nafkah batin issues are usually raised together with other claims such as nafkah iddah or mutaah in a single application.

To understand the related post-divorce claims, read nafkah iddah, or see mutaah as an additional claim often applied for together.