Matrimony in Islam is built upon the strong foundations of rights and responsibilities. In a marriage, all rights must be considered — first and foremost the rights of Allah, and then those of the wife and husband.
This blog will be focusing on the prerogatives of the wife given to her by our Creator in regard to her monetary and psychological maintenance. Although her rights are simple and clear, they’re still often misunderstood, with many, especially in the West, being under the impression that the wife has a financial duty over the house and children. Allah has burdened her with no such task, and expecting from her what Allah does not risks falling under the act of ‘oppression.’
Thus, it’s vital to educate oneself about her due — not only to avoid falling into such a heinous sin but also to ensure a marriage of balance and harmony where both parties are fulfilling the other’s rights.
Read on as we go through what the wife is owed from the husband as decreed by Allah in His Book and Sunnah.
To Be Provided For
Arguably the wife’s greatest entitlement is her right to be provided for. This includes everything necessary such as shelter, clothing, food, etc.
How much monetary maintenance the wife is due — i.e., whether or not the husband’s financial obligation goes beyond what is necessary — is a matter of division among scholars.
However, good treatment and to “live with them honourably” (4:19) is prescribed by Allah. According to some scholars, this ‘good treatment’ exceeds the bare minimum, encompassing the extras that the husband can afford. This view is further consolidated by the verse below:
“Let the rich man spend according to his means; and the man whose resources are restricted, let him spend according to what Allah has given him.” (Quran 65:7)
The wife’s financial rights also regard the mehr (dowry), which she is entitled to once the marriage contract is completed or once the marriage is consummated. This is also a right of mighty weight as, if she is deprived of it, the entire validity of the nikkah will be up for question.
Her Own Accommodation
Another right of the wife is access to her own accommodation, meaning a home where she doesn’t have to share a bedroom, kitchen, or bathroom — be it with mahrams or non-mahrams.
Of course, Islam doesn’t order the man to provide what is beyond his means, such as a large house or mansion, but he must be prepared to provide for her a private accommodation according to his means.
Right To Children
Having children is one of the greatest purposes of marriage. This is evidenced by the hadith:
“Marry those who are loving and fertile, for I will be proud of your great numbers before the other nations.” (Abu Dawood)
Apart from being a way to strengthen the ummah and bless a marriage, having children also comes under one of the wife’s rights. This means that a husband is not allowed to use contraception without consulting her, and he must also disclose any fertility issues, if there are any, during marriage meetings/pre-marital discourses.
Kind Treatment
The husband must treat his wife gracefully and live with her in goodness.
“…and live with them honourably.” (Quran 4:19)
It was also reported by Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Be kind to women.” (Bukhari)
It is also upon the husband to remain understanding in the face of a possible emotional outburst of his wife, as made clear in the hadith:
“Treat women kindly, for woman was created from a bent rib, and the most crooked part of the rib is the top part, so treat women kindly.” (Bukhari)