The Role of Wives According to Quranic Verses and Prophetic Hadiths
The religion of Islam has given such honor and position to women that it has not been accorded to them in any other religion, ritual, or culture; however, despite this, their legitimate rights are still not respected, and men do not hesitate to take actions to fulfill their desires, whether right or wrong. They do not treat women decently and fairly. Therefore, it is necessary for men to respect the dignity and legitimate rights of women in such a manner that the true essence of a wife is revealed in the light of authentic Islamic culture, and it becomes clear to everyone the position a wife holds in Islamic Sharia.
Before Islam and the teachings of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), women were regarded as lesser beings, treated in ways that dehumanized them. Her rights were not only disrespected but entirely disregarded. A wife, before Islam, was often treated like property, much like animals; there was little distinction in terms of the treatment and respect afforded to either.
For the first time, the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) enlightened those who were unaware of the rights of their wives. He educated the uninformed and the ignorant, making the world aware of women’s rights, and brought the words of Allah Almighty to light. Almighty Allah says in the Holy Qur’an: «وعاشروهن بالمعروف» (Be kind to your spouses).
The Holy Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) advocated that after faith and piety, a righteous woman is the greatest asset in the world and one of the causes of happiness. He stated: “After piety, a believer has not obtained any blessing greater and more precious than a good wife (and the good qualities of righteous women). He said: If her husband looks at her, she will bring him joy; if he takes an oath about her, that good wife will strive to free him from his oath; and if he is away, she will be conscientious about his existence and property, protecting her husband’s good name.”
In another hadith, he said: “This world is a transient and worthless commodity, and the best of what it offers is a righteous and virtuous woman.” Additionally, he issued numerous guidance about how men should treat women. The Holy Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said to men: “The most perfect believers in terms of faith are those who are kindest to their families.” He also said: “The best of you is the best to his family, and I am the best of you to my family.”
He also instructed women to obey their husbands with regards to the rights of men, unless a sinful command is given, as each right comes with a corresponding responsibility. The religion of Islam has allocated these responsibilities between men and women fairly, ensuring that neither party commits injustice against the other.
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Holy Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that he said: “I enjoin upon you kindness towards women; for a woman is created from a rib, and the curvature of the rib is at its uppermost part. If you try to straighten it, it will break, but if you leave it as it is, it will always remain curved. So, I enjoin you to treat women kindly.”
Hazrat Mu’awiyah bin Haydah (may Allah be pleased with him) says: “I asked the Holy Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), ‘What are the rights of our wives over us, O Messenger of Allah?’ The Holy Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied: ‘Whenever you eat, give them food; when you wear clothes, provide them with clothing, too. Do not strike them in the face, do not insult them, and do not abandon them except in the house.'”
The holy religion of Islam has made it clear how Muslim men should treat their wives through these teachings, and it is commendable for these principles to seep into their hearts and minds. The Sharia has institutionalized feelings of love and kindness toward women within the hearts of its adherents. While some Westerners may treat their wives well when they are satisfied, or merely pretend to do so when they are not, Islam prescribes the best manners for interacting with and treating women, which are far superior to the varying degrees of respect shown elsewhere. These desirable manners stem from deep-rooted values, and when we witness acts of kindness toward one’s wife, such feelings arise naturally within us as well.
According to the verses and hadiths mentioned, it is evident that Islam attaches significant importance to women as wives. The fact that some Muslims disregard women and their rightful position is not indicative of Islam itself; rather, it represents the actions of individuals who may lack understanding of their religion and treat their wives poorly.
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