𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻'𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 (248)

My Wife's Pursuit of Knowledge Leaves Little Time for Me Question: I am a Salafi young man, and I go to work every morning. My wife studies every morning at a school affiliated with a Salafi masjid in our area, and she returns home at noon. I also return from work at noon. She has neglected many household duties, and even when I return from work, I wait for hours for her to prepare lunch. Even on my day off, she is sometimes busy with her revision. As a result, all her time is spent on studying and taking care of the children. I have prevented her from going to the masjid and instructed her to study at home. Is there anything wrong with this, and what is your advice? Sheikh Yahya ḥafidhahullāh (slightly paraphrased): Neither extreme negligence nor excessive strictness is appropriate. You should allocate a time for her to pursue knowledge, for instance, allowing her to attend when she has something to learn with her sisters. Set aside specific times for this, while ensuring the rest of her time is dedicated to raising the children and tending to the household, which benefits her home and ensures the well-being of the family. It's fine to organise this arrangement so that neither her studies nor her household responsibilities are neglected. But she should give all her time to her studies. The upbringing of children is a struggle every woman bears, and with this in place (i.e. proper time arrangements) it shouldn't result in a significant shortcoming. As for her attending [classes], there is no harm in allowing her to go, provided it does not negatively affect her duties toward her husband or children. It is possible to balance her learning with her responsibilities, ensuring that she benefits herself and can teach and call other women to goodness. I do not personally recommend women going out to preach, and I have a published a treatise on this matter, but the point is that she should be able to teach, as there is no prohibition on this. ‘Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) used to teach, as did many righteous women, calling to the way of Allah with wisdom and good advice. Therefore, a balance should be struck between these obligations without going to either extreme. Women are instructed to remain in their homes, and the rights of her husband and children are obligatory upon her. While her learning might be recommended, fulfilling her obligatory duties takes precedence. That said, there is no harm in supporting her in her pursuit of knowledge, as when a husband takes care of his wife, he sees the benefit in her, their children, and their shared relationship with their Lord. It is crucial to assist women in gaining knowledge, just as they should support their husbands in their endeavours. This collaboration in seeking knowledge is of great benefit. Truly, there is a significant need for knowledgeable women in society—women who can teach and guide others. There are things that women can explain to each other that men cannot, as illustrated by ‘Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her), who taught other women matters related to purification and menstruation that the Prophet (peace be upon him) preferred not to explain directly. Thus, it is clear that women can instruct each other in ways that men cannot. In summary, it is essential for both men and women, regardless of their status, to pursue knowledge from scholars. Learning should not be limited to specific individuals or confined solely to one’s local imam. Scholars are indeed a blessing from Allah." @womensbenefits