Woman Between Islam and Western Society
6. The Rights of Husband and Wife
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The guidance of Islam regarding the relationship
between husband and wife, is, in some respects,
based on this principle. From the physiological
standpoint, the woman is the weaker and the man
the stronger party. That is why in its guidelines
Islam keeps this difference in mind, so that more
and more harmony and cooperation may build up
between the two, and the task of home building
may proceed smoothly and without any hindrance.
While Islam enjoins women to become obedient to
their husbands, the Qur’an says that virtuous
women are already obedient to their husbands.
26
‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas has interpreted this verse in
these words: “women obedient to their husbands.”
27
What is intended by making women obedient to
their husbands is to cultivate in them the kind of
fine temperament that will make them true partners
to their husbands. This will result in a positive and
constructive atmosphere at home rather than one of
confrontation and discord. An obedient wife wins
the heart of her husband and thus gains the upper
hand. Hers is the highest place at home. A
disobedient wife, on the contrary, keeps quarrelling
