Fatwa #254831 March 2001United States of America
Limit on the gift amount a man can give his wife when he is alive ?See detail below
Question
Shariat decides the amount each heir will receive after death of a Muslim. If a Muslim fears that the amount inherited by his wife (1/4 th according to Shariah), will be insufficient for her sustenance, than during his lifetime (i.e. when he is alive) can he give his wife a certain amount of money as a gift? This gifted money would now belong to his wife on which his wife will pay Zakaat. Is there a limit on this gift amount? What if the man gives his entire wealth to his wife as a gift?
Answer
It is permissible for the husband to offer a gift during his lifetime to his
wife of any value even if it exceeds ¼ of his nett Estate. The wife will be
the sole owner of the gifted item.
and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.