Wives as Breadwinners: A Ḥifẓ al-‘ird and Gender Perspective on Contemporary Muslim Family Dynamics

Abstract

This study explores the evolving economic and social dynamics within contemporary Muslim families, particularly the growing phenomenon of wives serving as primary or co-breadwinners. Through an analysis of socio-economic changes, shifting gender roles, and emerging legal questions, the research highlights how women’s increasing financial contributions reshape household responsibilities and decision-making structures. The findings demonstrate that these developments do not undermine family stability; instead, they often strengthen economic resilience when supported by mutual respect and effective communication. The study further examines the implications of these transformations for Islamic family law, emphasizing the need for legal and ethical frameworks that align with lived realities while upholding core Islamic principles. By integrating the concept of ḥifẓ al-‘ird into gender discourse, the research offers a constructive pathway for reinterpreting family roles in a manner that preserves dignity, protects family cohesion, and reflects the complexities of modern Muslim life.