Rights and Responsibilities of a Wife in Islam

Question:
What are the rights and responsibilities of a wife according to Islamic teachings?

Answer:​

The rights and responsibilities of a wife are not rigidly defined in Shariah but are instead guided by societal norms (urf) as long as they align with Islamic principles. Allah mentions in the Quran:

«وَعَاشِرُوهُنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ»

"Live with them in kindness."

[Surah An-Nisa: 19]

«وَلَهُنَّ مِثْلُ الَّذِي عَلَيْهِنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ»

"And women have rights similar to their obligations, according to what is reasonable."

[Surah Al-Baqarah: 228]

These verses indicate that the relationship between husband and wife should be based on mutual kindness, fairness, and consideration, according to what is customary and reasonable in their society.

Wife’s Rights Over Her Husband​

1. Provision of Maintenance:
   
   • A husband must provide food, clothing, housing, and other necessities according to his means and the customary standards of their community.
2. Good Treatment:
   
   • A husband is obligated to treat his wife with respect, kindness, and good character.
3. Protection:
   
   • He must protect her dignity, physical well-being, and ensure a safe and secure environment.
4. Fulfillment of Emotional and Physical Needs:
   
   • The husband must attend to her emotional and physical needs, spending time with her and fostering a loving and harmonious relationship.
5. Islamic Education and Morality:
   
   • He must ensure that his household adheres to Islamic values and avoids immoral or harmful practices.

Wife’s Responsibilities Towards Her Husband​

1. Obedience in Permissible Matters:
   
   • A wife should obey her husband in all matters that align with Islamic principles and do not involve disobedience to Allah.
2. Guarding the Household:
   
   • She is responsible for safeguarding her husband’s home, children, and wealth in his absence.
3. Avoiding Prohibited Interactions:
   
   • A wife must avoid mixing with non-mahram men or engaging in activities that contradict Islamic teachings.
4. Support and Cooperation:
   
   • She should support her husband in fulfilling his responsibilities and foster an environment of mutual respect and harmony in the home.

Role of Societal Norms (Urf)​

Islamic teachings allow flexibility for societal customs to define additional rights and responsibilities, as long as they do not contradict Shariah. For example:

• If it is customary for the husband to provide certain amenities, then it becomes obligatory for him to fulfill them.
• Any custom that contradicts Islamic teachings, such as forbidding a husband from encouraging prayer or moral behavior, is invalid.

Advisory for Husbands and Wives​

• For Husbands: They are reminded to fulfill their roles as protectors and maintainers of their households. Neglecting family responsibilities, such as spending long periods away without communication or guidance, is a grave mistake. Husbands should create opportunities for family bonding, such as sharing meals and having open conversations with their families.
• For Wives: They must avoid behaviors that lead to moral corruption, such as unnecessary interaction with non-mahram men or adopting customs that conflict with Islamic principles.

Conclusion:
The foundation of marital life in Islam is mutual kindness, fairness, and adherence to Islamic principles. Both spouses should strive to fulfill their roles responsibly and work together to maintain a harmonious and righteous household.

(Shaykh Muhammad bin Salih al-Uthaymeen رحمه الله)