The Maintenance of a Fiancée from the Money of Her Orphaned Children

Question
I am a mother of orphans who remarried after my husband's death, and my children, aged 8 and 9, live with me and my husband. I received a pension from my late husband for a year, from the time of my engagement until the establishment of a family record, and I spent that amount on my household for food, drink, and shelter while my children lived with me in the same house. After I submitted the application for a new family record, the pension I was receiving was transferred to my children. Is the amount I received for the year from my engagement until the establishment of the new family record still my responsibility, and is it rightfully my children's since I spent it on the household they live in? Should I return it to them?
Answer
I say, and with God's help: As long as their money has been spent on housing, clothing, and food, it cannot be returned to them; however, if it has been used for others, it must be returned to them. God knows best.
imam icon

Send your question to the smart assistant

If the previous answers are not appropriate, please send your question to the Mufti via