Equality between two wives, and giving a wife talaq because of illness

Question

Question: Zayd contracted marriage with Jamila, and before valid seclusion (khalwa sahiha) Jamila was struck by paralysis, because of which she cannot walk. After that, valid seclusion took place. Zayd then contracted a second marriage with Habiba. Zayd is not able to provide for both with the best things: he covers all of Habiba’s expenses with costly things, while he gives Jamila clothing of middling quality, because she cannot come to the house. Will Zayd be sinful in this case?

Answer

The expenses for clothing and the like should be given equally to both wives; giving one something fine and the other something poor is a violation of her right. And giving talaq because of illness is ungracious.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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