Author: Abdul Hameed Nowrozi
Responsibility and Duty Awareness in Islam (Part Five)
A Woman’s Responsibility in Her Husband’s House
We will briefly explain a woman’s responsibilities in the household as follows:
First: The primary responsibility of a woman is to remain at home, which enables her to better fulfill her duties, such as raising children, managing household chores, and caring for her husband. Her presence at home not only allows her to perform these essential tasks but also provides her with dignity, honor, and significance. This does not imply that a woman is imprisoned within four walls; she is permitted to leave her home for essential activities such as performing the five daily prayers in congregation, attending Eid and Istisqa prayers, visiting relatives, caring for the sick, and shopping for necessities. However, the guiding principle remains that a woman should primarily stay at home.
Second: A woman must respect her husband’s rights. When her husband calls her to bed, she should respond willingly, strive to make their home a center of love and joy, and refrain from using her words to make her husband feel inadequate. She should follow his commands as long as they do not involve disobedience to Allah. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “If a woman prays her five daily prayers, observes her fasts in Ramadan, guards her private parts, and obeys her husband, it will be said to her, ‘Enter Paradise from any of its gates you wish.’”
Third: A woman has the responsibility of raising her children in the best possible manner. Raising children is a significant task that only a mother can fulfill appropriately. Allah (s.w.t) has endowed mothers with compassion, kindness, the ability to respond to their children’s needs, patience in the face of challenges, and the strength to endure the difficulties of parenting. Anyone who claims otherwise goes against nature.
Fourth: A woman must safeguard her husband’s property and use it judiciously, ensuring that it is spent only on household needs, such as food and clothing for herself, her children, and her husband. She should avoid being extravagant or stingy with resources, as she will be accountable before Allah for her actions—even for seemingly minor waste, such as a cup of tea or a spoonful of sugar.
Fifth: A woman does not have the right to invite anyone into her home without her husband’s permission, whether the guest is a relative or a stranger.
Sixth: She must protect her chastity and dignity in her husband’s absence and avoid actions that expose her to suspicion or doubt.
Seventh: A woman should not leave the house without first obtaining permission from her husband.
Eighth: When leaving the house, she must adhere to the Islamic hijab, as there is honor and dignity in a woman’s modest attire. She should avoid mingling with unrelated men and any situations that could lead to disrepute or compromise her character.
Ninth: A woman is also responsible for her servants. She must ensure their rights are met, including adequate food, clothing, rest, and overall well-being. Failure to fulfill these duties may lead to accountability on the Day of Judgment. Both men and women share responsibility in this regard, complementing each other’s roles.
Tenth: Women are responsible for maintaining appropriate boundaries in their interactions with drivers, maids, and other household workers. They must protect their dignity and that of their children, recognizing that men also hold responsibility in this area.
A concerning modern trend is that some women and girls mistakenly consider their domestic helpers or drivers as family members, which can lead to neglect of boundaries. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) advised: “None of you should be alone with a woman, for the devil is the third among them.”
For this reason, women and girls should avoid such situations and also educate young boys and girls about maintaining appropriate boundaries. Negligence and irresponsibility in this area have regrettably led to incidents where innocent children have fallen victim to harmful situations.
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