Her Divine Rights: The status and entitlements of a wife in Islam
Last week we discussed the rights of the husband over the wife with references from the Holy Qur’an and Hadiths. This week, we will focus on the rights of the wife over the husband, as beautifully outlined in Islam.
The sacred bond of marriage in Islam is built upon love, compassion, and mutual respect, and just as the husband has rights, so too does the wife, which must be fulfilled with sincerity and fairness.
1. The Right to Kind Treatment and Respect
The Qur’an repeatedly emphasises kindness, mercy, and compassion in marital relations. Allah says:
“And live with them in kindness. For if you dislike them, perhaps you dislike a thing and Allah makes therein much good.” (Qur’an 4:19)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also highlighted the importance of good treatment, saying:
“The best of you is the best to his family, and I am the best among you to my family.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 3895)
This shows that a wife has the right to be honored, respected, and treated with dignity in all circumstances.
2. The Right to Financial Support (Nafaqah)
It is the husband’s duty to provide for his wife, regardless of her personal wealth. This includes food, clothing, shelter, and other basic needs according to his means. Allah commands:
“But the father of the child shall bear the cost of the mother’s food and clothing on a reasonable basis.” (Qur’an 2:233)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) further clarified:
“It is sufficient sin for a man that he neglects those whom he is responsible for providing.” (Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith 1692)
READ ALSO: Understanding the rights of husband in Islam
3. The Right to Love and Compassion
Marriage is not merely a contract but a bond of hearts and souls. Allah describes this relationship beautifully:
“And among His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them, and He placed between you affection and mercy.” (Qur’an 30:21)
A wife has the right to emotional support, affection, and compassion from her husband, as these are essential pillars of a healthy Islamic marriage.
4. The Right to Fairness in Polygamy
If a man marries more than one wife, Islam requires strict justice and fairness among them in terms of financial support, time, and treatment. Allah warns:
“But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one…” (Qur’an 4:3)
This ensures that the dignity and rights of each wife are protected.
READ ALSO: When marriage becomes ‘Ibadah’, by Aisha M Auyo
5. The Right to Sexual Fulfillment
Just as the husband has a right to intimacy, so too does the wife. The Prophet (peace be upon him) advised men to be mindful of their wives’ needs, saying:
“When one of you has sexual intercourse with his wife, let him be true to her. If he attains his pleasure before her, he should not hurry her until she also attains her pleasure.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1080)
This underscores the principle of mutual satisfaction and consideration in marital relations.
6. The Right to Dignity and Non-Harm
Islam prohibits husbands from harming their wives physically, emotionally, or psychologically. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Do not harm your wives, and do not revile them.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 1985)
A wife has the right to live in peace, free from abuse or oppression, as marriage in Islam is meant to be a source of mercy, not hardship.
Conclusion
In Islam, the rights of the wife are deeply intertwined with love, justice, and compassion. While the husband has his due rights, the wife is equally honored with rights that safeguard her dignity, well-being, and happiness.
Upholding these rights ensures harmony, strengthens family bonds, and preserves the sanctity of the marital relationship as intended by Allah.
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