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Reference SA-0122
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Majmu' Fatawa Ibn Baz
Volume 21, Book of Marriage
Shaykh Ibn Baz explained that the relationship between a husband and wife is built on a foundation of mutual rights and obligations, emphasizing justice and kindness as commanded by Allah.
The rights of the husband over his wife are among the greatest of rights. The foremost of these is her obedience to him in all that is good and reasonable (ma'ruf) and not in sin. This includes her not leaving the house without his permission, not allowing anyone into their home whom he dislikes, and serving him and looking after the household according to her ability and local custom. She is entrusted with protecting his honor, his children, and his wealth in his absence.
Conversely, the wife has significant rights over her husband. He must provide for her complete financial maintenance (nafaqah), which includes suitable food, drink, clothing, and shelter, all according to his financial capacity and their community's standards. Beyond material needs, it is his duty to live with her in a kind and gentle manner, treating her with patience, overlooking minor faults, and providing a pleasant and loving atmosphere. He is also responsible for teaching her the matters of her religion if she is unaware of them, or allowing her to seek knowledge.
These rights are not meant to be wielded as weapons against each other, but rather are a guide to achieving the objectives of marriage stated in the Qur'an: tranquility, affection, and mercy. Shaykh Ibn Baz stressed that both spouses should be forgiving and cooperate in righteousness and piety to build a stable and righteous Muslim family.
Evidence
Qur'an
Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has made one of them to excel the other, and because they spend (to support them) from their means... So righteous women are devoutly obedient, guarding in (the husband's) absence what Allah would have them guard. [Surah An-Nisa, 4:34]
And they (women) have rights (over their husbands) similar (to the rights of their husbands) over them to what is reasonable, but men have a degree (of responsibility) over them. And Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise. [Surah al-Baqarah, 2:228]
Hadith
During the Farewell Pilgrimage, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Fear Allah with regard to women, for you have taken them as a trust from Allah, and you have been permitted to have intercourse with them by the word of Allah. Your right over them is that they should not allow anyone to sit on your furnishings whom you dislike. If they do that, then strike them, but not severely. Their right over you is that you should provide for them and clothe them in a manner that is reasonable." (Sahih Muslim, 1218)
Key Takeaway
The marital relationship in Islam is based on mutual, though not identical, rights and obligations, with the husband having the role of maintainer and leader, and the wife having the right to kind treatment and full financial support.
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