𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻'𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 (228)

What's the wisdom behind a woman prioritising obedience to her husband over her parents? Sheikh Yahya ḥafidhahullāh said (paraphrasing): The wisdom -and Allāh know best- lies in maintaining harmony and continuity in the marital relationship. Obedience to parents is obligatory, but once a woman transitions from her parents' home to her husband's, if she does not obey him, discord may arise, leading to separation and turmoil. This would be especially problematic if there are children involved, as it could result in their estrangement and fragmentation. The wisdom likewise is to promote well-being and compassion between spouses. "If Allāh intends good for a household, He instills gentleness within them." [ḥadīth]. Therefore, the foundation is that the wife should obey her husband and that he should show her compassion. Each party fulfills their responsibilities, especially the wife's obedience to her husband, which is part of the noble purposes of marriage, including companionship, raising offspring, and establishing a household. If both spouses recognise each other's rights, they will find peace. As stated in the ḥadīth, "If Allāh intends good for a household, He instills gentleness in them," whether they have little or much, are poor or wealthy, they will find goodness in their situation. Particularly if they obey Allāh and implement His commands, for whoever obeys Allāh will be honoured by Him. Among the manifestations of this obedience is the righteousness of the wife towards her husband and vice versa. If a person obeys Allāh in these matters, it brings comfort. Additionally, part of obeying Allāh is fulfilling each other's rights as husband and wife. Understanding marital rights is crucial for maintaining harmony, establishing a family, raising the next generation, and fostering good relations with neighbours and relatives. The purpose of marriage includes creating bonds of brotherhood between families, fostering affection, and promoting mutual visits. It also provides tranquility, as mentioned in the Āyah (translated meaning), "And He placed between you affection and mercy." This is a clear wisdom, emphasising the importance of a wife's obedience to her husband. "If I were to command anyone to prostrate to another, I would have commanded a wife to prostrate to her husband, for he is your paradise or your hell." It is also essential for the husband to recognise his wife's rights, and for them to live according to the teachings of the Qur'ān and Sunnah. A household where Allāh's teachings are applied will be free from the influence of Shayṭān, and it will flourish in obedience to Allāh. If any disputes arise between the spouses, they should be resolved through the Qur'ān and Sunnah. This approach is conducive to a harmonious and compassionate life, without which marriages, households, and society at large cannot thrive. No one would accept bringing a rebellious person into their home, someone who refuses to comply with orders or instructions, as this would lead to discord. Such disobedience is a form of rebellion against Allāh. If a husband goes to bed angry with his wife, the angels curse her throughout the night. This disobedience is a cause of resentment, the accumulation of evil, and the influence of Shayṭān. Therefore, compassion and mercy are crucial, as indicated by the ḥadīth, "Have mercy on those on earth, and He who is in heaven will have mercy on you." Marriage carries rights and responsibilities for both the husband and the wife. Scholars have written extensively on this topic, such as in the book "Al-'Ishra" by An-Nasā'ē, which is a comprehensive work. It, along with other books on Fiqh and ḥadīth, covers all aspects of marriage from its inception to its conclusion, until a person meets their Lord. @womensbenefits