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Lesson The Rights of the Spouses
Islam has given each spouse several rights commensurate with their entrusted duties. By each spouse performing these duties and not refraining from giving the other his or her due, the relationship between them will be organized, their dignity will be preserved for them, and a thriving family can be established, capable of achieving the purpose for which Allah created Adam and his offspring.
The Rights of the Husband Over his Wife.
To recognize his authority on the family
Allah said: (Men are the caretakers of women, as men have been provisioned by Allah over women and tasked with supporting them financially.)[An-Nisa:34] The implication of this is that he must perform the duties of guardianship in the best manner, without obstinacy and tyranny, and that she must obey him in what is good and not dispute the status that Allah has given him with His justice and wisdom.
To look after his wealth and not be neglectful.
She must not spend his money except with his permission, explicitly or implicitly. However, if he falls short in spending on the house and has the means, then she has the right to take from his wealth what suffices her and their children without his permission while not being wasteful or extravagant.
To preserve his honor in his absence
So she does not allow a man who is not her mahram to enter her while her husband is absent. There is no difference between her relatives and his relatives and others.
To preserve his honor with his children.
She shares with him the responsibility of raising them well, especially in the early years of their lives because the children live with her most of the time and learn more from her than from the father.
She takes care of the home and children.
By managing it, organizing its affairs, and doing everything she can do that is needed to be done in the house.
The wife's rights over her husband.
The Dowry
It is the wife's right that the husband gives her a gift. To soften her heart and make her feel his affection and desire for her. Allah says: (Give women ˹you wed˺ their due dowries graciously.) [An-Nisa:4]
Spending on the wife and household
And that is in everything they need, such as food, drink, clothing, and housing, according to what the situation requires, and within the limits of their capacity and ability, without extravagance or stinginess. Allah says: (Let the man of wealth provide according to his means. As for the one with limited resources, let him provide according to whatever Allah has given him. Allah does not require any soul beyond what He has given it. After hardship, Allah will bring about ease.) [At-Talaq:7]
Cohabitation in Good and Kindness.
He should be of good morals, pleasant with her in word and deed, and not be rude or harsh. And be patient with his her, and not indulge in gestures of aversion or hatred. Allah says: (Treat them fairly. If you happen to dislike them, you may hate something which Allah turns into a great blessing.) [An-Nisaa:19] The Prophet ﷺ said: «A believer must not hate a believing woman; if he dislikes one of her characteristics, he will be pleased with another.» (Muslim 1469)
