This is perhaps the reason behind the saying, "and because they spend," where the object is omitted to imply the general nature of this financial responsibility

Similarly, Allāh ﷻ said: ﴿وَلِلرِّجَالِ عَلَيْهِنَّ دَرَجَةٌ﴾ "And men have a degree over them" [An-Nisā’: 34]. Ibn Kathir rahimahullah comments: "That is, in virtue, in character, in status, in authority, in financial responsibility, in managing affairs, and in merit both in this world and the Hereafter. As the Exalted has also said: "Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allâh has made one of them to excel the other, and because they spend (to support them) from their means." This preference is not based on human invention, bias, or cultural norms, but rather is a decree from Allāh Himself, who is not questioned about His actions, while His creation will be held accountable. Among the evidences for this preference: 1. Origin: Women originated from men—specifically, Ḥawwā was created from Ādam (peace be upon them). The source (man) is regarded as having greater status than the offshoot (woman). 2. Prophethood: Prophethood and messengership are exclusive to men. No woman has ever been sent as a prophet. The highest spiritual rank a woman has achieved is that of a truthful believer, as in the case of Maryam (peace be upon her). 3. Leadership: Public authority and governance are roles specifically designated for men. The Prophet ﷺ stated that a people who appoint a woman to lead them will not succeed. Historical examples are cited, such as the downfall of the Persian empire after appointing a woman ruler. 4. Judiciary: According to the more correct opinion, judicial authority is also exclusive to men. It is closely linked to the role of prophethood, which involves judgment and leadership among the people. 5. Physical and Emotional Capacity: In general, men are considered more complete in physical form and more capable of enduring hardship and calamity. Women often seek protection and support from men, especially in times and places of insecurity or moral decline. 6. Responsibility and Sacrifice: The burden of warfare and protection is placed upon men, as reflected in the poet’s words: كُتِبَ القتْلُ والقِتالُ عليْنا *** وعلى الغَانِياتِ جَرُّ الذُّيولِ "Fighting and killing are written for us, while women’s share is to walk gracefully in fine garments." Source: https://t.me/miscyemenibenefits/478 Point 9: Divine Preference Does Not Imply Absolute Superiority The fact that Allāh has favoured certain types of creation over others—such as men over women, Arabs over non-Arabs, or Prophets over the rest of mankind—must not be understood in an absolute or universal sense. This preference pertains to categories and generalities, not to every individual case. For example, not every Arab is superior to every non-Arab. There are non-Arabs who surpass many Arabs in piety, knowledge, and virtue. Similarly, righteous women have, in numerous cases, surpassed many men in devotion and obedience to Allāh. This understanding is affirmed by Allāh in the Qur’ān: ﴿إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ ٱللهِ أَتْقَىٰكُمْ﴾ “Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allāh is the most righteous among you.” [Sūrah Al-Ḥujurāt: 13] And Allāh also said: ﴿وَلِكُلٍّۢ دَرَجَـٰتٌۭ مِّمَّا عَمِلُوا۟﴾ “For all, there will be degrees [of reward or punishment] according to what they did.” [Sūrah Al-Aḥqāf: 19] CONCLUSION: True nobility and distinction lie in one's faith, righteousness, and deeds—not merely in lineage, ethnicity, or gender, as the Prophet ﷺ said: «مَنْ بَطَّأَ بِه عَمَلُهُ لَمْ يُسْرِعْ بِه نَسَبُهُ» "Whoever is slowed down by his deeds will not be hastened forward by his lineage." [Muslim]