Musnad Humaydi

Benefit:
In this hadith, the reality of woman is described: that woman, by nature, inclines towards crookedness and likes to deviate, and in most matters, she turns away. Despite this natural weakness, woman has been called the best thing in the world—when she is righteous. And woman has also been called the ropes of Satan—when she is distant from righteousness and piety (taqwa).

A person receives many benefits from woman; for example, she is a source of comfort, a means of safeguarding faith (iman), Allah Most High brings forth children through her, she is the ruler of household affairs, and so on.

When so many benefits are obtained from woman, then her minor crookedness should also be tolerated. It should also be remembered that this hadith does not mean at all that men are not crooked; in the present era, many men are seen to be even worse than women due to the lack of education and upbringing. May Allah Most High grant our Muslims the understanding of the Qur’an and Hadith, ameen.

Hadith Commentary:
The reference to being created from a rib alludes to the fact that Hawwa (alayha as-salam) was created from the rib of Adam (alayhis-salam). The rib is more curved from the upper side; similarly, a woman is also more curved from the upper side, that is, in her speech. Therefore, to patiently endure their sharpness of tongue and harsh words is, in fact, to follow the example of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam).

Hadith Commentary:
(1)
In one narration it is stated:
“A woman will never be completely straight according to your temperament, so benefit from her while she still has some crookedness. If you try to straighten her, you will break her, and her breaking is her being divorced.”
(Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Rada‘, Hadith: 3643 (715))
In another narration it is stated:
“The crooked part of the rib is at the top.”
(Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Rada‘, Hadith: 3644 (715))

(2)
This hadith indicates that the crookedness of a woman is also at the top, that is, towards the tongue. Therefore, one should spend the days of life with patience over a woman’s sharp tongue and harsh speech.

(3)
This hadith also shows that one should deal with women with gentleness and tolerance. Otherwise, as a result, homes are ruined.

Wallahu a‘lam.

Explanation:
1:
That is, there is something inherent in the very creation of women; therefore, the nature upon which they have been created cannot be changed. For this reason, one should maintain relations with them while taking these matters into consideration, so that social life may be peaceful, comfortable, and tranquil.