Feminists’ protests often reference the saying of Allah Almighty in the verse «واضْرِبُوهُنَّ» as an excuse to question the teachings of Islam. By introducing these doubts, they seek to mislead the new generation of young Muslim boys and girls.
However, logical analysis and real-life experiences demonstrate that the leadership granted to men by Islam is the best solution for a healthy married life. When wisdom dictates a division of marital responsibilities, it establishes the husband as the head and provider of the family. This also implies that both partners have rights over one another; among the rights of the husband over the wife is that she should obey him, as long as he does not request her to commit a sin or infringe upon any of the rights of Almighty Allah.
Just as it is necessary for any social institution that the leader has the authority to establish the system of that institution, thereby preventing its collapse, the biggest secret to maintaining unity within an institution is that its members obey the leader. Deviating from the established framework is termed disobedience, which can distort the purpose of that institution and ultimately lead to its destruction.
Human nature desires freedom and often resists authority. Therefore, until social and material rules and regulations are imposed upon individuals, social and human institutions are prone to collapse. The use of training and discipline tools is among the rules that ensure the unity of the group so that no one disobeys. These tools may be employed when necessary to keep individuals under control and on the path of obedience to the leader. Sometimes, such tools may have a constructive aspect, while other times they may involve intensity or violence.
Some leaders resort solely to violence, which leads to failure, while others rely only on gentleness, which can allow rebellious individuals to go astray and usurp authority. However, wise leaders employ all these tools judiciously, using each appropriately according to the situation.
This is what Islam guides and counsels’ societal leaders to do, and it similarly advises heads of families to adopt this approach. Thus, it becomes evident that Islam does not seek to humiliate women as feminists claim; rather, it aims to foster a healthy society filled with healthy families.
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