Does husband have any right over his wife's earnings / money?

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله

Each person who is a sane adult has full right over their own wealth and how they spend it. A woman who possesses wealth does not need permission from her husband to decide how and where to spend the wealth. She has full choice in the matter and may spend it on herself or her parents, donate to charity, etc. as she sees fit as long as the expenditure/transaction is permissible. The husband has no right to prevent her.

However, in a marriage, there should be co-operation, harmony, balance, affection, etc. Depending on the circumstance, it may be considered good manners to discuss with or consult the husband and seek his advice. Sometimes, the husband may mean well and doesn't intend to control her. However, seeking his permission or even informing him is not necessary at all.

Consider the following verses, all of which prove that a women has the right to decide what do with her wealth without asking anyone's permission just like a man has.

"And if you divorce them before you have touched them and you have already specified for them an obligation (mahr)[1], then [give] half of what you specified - unless they (the women) forego the right..."[2]

"And give the women [upon marriage] their [bridal] gifts (mahr)[1] graciously. But if they give up willingly to you anything of it, then take it in satisfaction and ease (without fear)."[3]

"And test the orphans [in their abilities/intelligence] until they reach marriageable age. Then if you perceive in them sound judgement, release their property to them..." [4]

The last verse above makes no distinction between male and female.

Similarly, we also find evidence in the Hadith which clearly demonstrate that they are allowed to dispose of their wealth without seeking permission from their husbands, fathers or anyone else, e.g.

فَيَأْمُرُ بِالصَّدَقَةِ فَيَكُونُ أَكْثَرَ مَنْ يَتَصَدَّقُ النِّسَاءُ

"...and (he would) enjoin giving charity, and the ones who gave most charity were the women."[5]

Allâh knows best
Abu Yousuf

[1] bridal money/dower given by the husband to his wife at the time of marriage
[2] al-Baqarah 2:237
[3] al-Nisa’ 4:4
[4] al-Nisa’ 4:6
[5] an-Nasa'i, ibn Majah