Rights of A Husband in Islam

THE RIGHTS OF A HUSBAND AND HIS STATUS
BY MUFTI MUHAMMAD TAQI USAMANI (RAH)

All praise is for Allah. We praise Him and seek His help and His forgiveness and we believe in Him and rely on Him. We seek refuge with Him from the mischief of our selves and the vices of our deeds. There is none to lead him astray whom Allah guides and there is none to guide him whom Allah lets go astray. I bear witness that there is no God but Allah alone and that He has no partner. I also bear witness that our master, our authority, and our Prophet and our master. Muhammad ££ is His servant and His Messenger. May Allah bestow upon him, his household and his Companions (RA). His mercy and blessings in abundance.

Men are the in charge of women because Allah has made some to excel the other and because they (men) spend of their moneys (for the support of women). So virtuous women are obedient, guarding in absence which Allah has guarded. (4:34)

I believe in Allah. Allah our Great Master has told the truth and His kind Prophet and Messenger has (also) told the truth and we are witnesses to that. The previous discourse dealt with the rights of a wife which are due to her by her husband. It contained directions how a husband should behave with his wife. The fact is that the Shari ah which is a law appointed by Almighty Allah is not partial to anyone but it takes into consideration both sides, and guarantees the good and welfare of both in this world as well as in the Hereafter. Just as the fulfillment of the rights of the wife has been made binding on the husband, in the same way Almighty Allah and His Messenger (saws) have mentioned the rights of the husband, wife has been made responsible to discharge. The Holy Quran and the Traditions both lay great emphasis and stress on the fulfillment of both categories of these rights.

Today every person is demanding his rights
The Shariah has directed every person to discharge his bounded duties. It has not encouraged any one to de mand only his rights. We see that the present day world is a world of struggle for rights. Everyone is demanding his rights through agitation, demonstrations, and by going on strikes. In fact, all possible efforts are being made every where in the world and associations have been established for this one-sided objective of attaining Rights, e.g. "The As association for the Protection of Rights of. ". There is no as association to ensure the fulfillment of duties and liabilities. None cares to think whether or not he is discharging the duties entrusted to him. The workers and the capitalists both are demanding their rights, but none of them ever thinks how he should discharge his duties and obligations. Husband and wife both are crying for their rights and making frantic efforts to that end. A battle, as it were, is raging on this account. Yet none is seen inclined to consider for a while whether or not he is himself discharging his own duties and liabilities.

Everyone should discharge his duties
The essence of the teachings of Allah and His Messenger (saws) is that every person should pay attention to the duties entrusted to him and do his best to discharge them. If people begin to discharge their duties the rights of others will automatically get discharged and settled amicably. If a labourer discharges his duties and liabilities will naturally result in the satisfaction of the rights of the capitalist and the employer. Similarly, if the capitalists and the employers discharge their duties the rights of the labourer will be fulfilled. Again, if the husband and the wife discharge their duties to each other their mutual rights will be discharged automatically. What the Shari ah demands of its followers is that everyone should realize his responsibilities and seek to discharge them with sincerity and faithfully.

Mind your own business
Values have changed in a very strange way. Whenever a leader rises to lead others he totally forgets himself and does not search his own heart and actions to discover that he too, may have faults and shortcomings which he should rectify. The Hloly Qur'an says:

O you who believe ! Take charge of your own souls. He who errs cannot injure you if you are rightly guided, (5:105)

The direction contained in this verse advises you to take care of your own selves to find out what duties lie on you, what Almighty Allah and His Prophet (saws) demand from you, what you owe to the Shariah, concerning honesty, trust and morality. Discharge your part of obligations and li-abilities. As for those who are in error and are not discharging their duties, you will not suffer for their misconduct and failure, if you are rightly discharging your own duties.

The style of the teachings of the Holy Prophet (saws)
You may be aware that during the days of the Holy prophet (saws), government officials used to call upon the public to collect Zakat (obligatory- tax) from them. In those days possessions consisted mainly of cattle including camels. goats, cows. etc. While deputing his officers on this work the Holy Prophet (saws) used to furnish them with a letter containing instructions as to how they were to discharge their duties. The letter also contained this direction:

(Abu Dawood. Rook of Zakat. chapter - Tasadduqul-Awamal Tradition no 1591)

This means that the collectors were to collect the amounts of Zakat personally at the doors of the people. T hey should not sit at some place to trouble the people taking their Zakat to the collectors. He (saws)_ used to advise them as under:

(Abu Dawood. chapter Zakat Tradition no 1585)

This means that a man who is not honest in collecting the Zakat. i.e. he is collecting more amount or quantity (of the animals, etc.) than was due. is committing a sin equal to the sin of the one who is not paying his Zakat. This the collectors of Zakat are being warned not to wrong the payers by receiving from them even a penny more than the due amount, because if they did they would be called to account on the Day of Judgment. On the other hand, the payers of Zakat were addressed thus:

(Tirmidhi. Book of Zakat chapter - Tradition no 647)

The collectors of Zakat will visit you. Take care that they do not leave you displeased. You should please them and should not do them anything to make them displeased, because they are in fact my emissaries and representatives. To displease them would be to displease me (saws)..

Thus, the Holy Prophet -(saws) has reminded each one of his responsibilities and duties. He (saws) did not incite the payers of Zakat to make an agitation against the collectors of Zakat that they might not usurp their rights, nor were they advised to form an association which usually becomes a source of contention between the two.

The Shari 'ah has laid great emphasis on discharging duties honestly because everyone is accountable for every action before Almighty Allah. He should, therefore, prepare himself for giving an account in the Hereafter. The entire philosophy of religion consists in this principle and not that everyone should be demanding his rights from others and should at the same time be unmindful of his own obligations and responsibilities.

How to Regulate one's life
In the matter of mutual relations between husband and wife Almighty Allah and His messenger (saws) have adopted the same method that they have informed each side of his/her duties which each one should strive to discharge Life may be compared to a vehicle the two wheels of which are husband and wife. To let this vehicle of life run smoothly,it is necessary that each of its wheels, husband and wife, should discharge his/her duties faithfully and be considerate towards the rights of the other, and think her or his rights more than their duties. Such feeling shall bring about stability in life- This aspect is so important and Allah and His Prophet (saws) are so particular and concerned about the stability and smoothness of human life that the Qur'an and the Traditions are full of injunctions about the duties and responsibilities imposed on man and woman. There is nothing more displeasing to Allah and his Messenger (saws) than the discord between husband and wife.

Satan's Court
According to a Tradition the Holy Prophet (saws) is reported to have said: This Iblis or Satan sometimes places his throne on the surface of the ocean and holds his court there. At that time all his disciples and followers assemble in his court. They are asked to submit their progress report and every disciple submits his report to Satan for his perusal. One disciple submits that he saw a man going to the mosque but he involved him in some work that detained him from the prayer. Satan pleased to hear this but not too much. Another disciple relates a similar story of stopping a Namazi from some worship and Satan is pleased with this too. Such submissions continue until a disciple told Satan that a pair of husband and wife was leading a very happy life with love and co-operation, but he through some schemes, sowed the seed of distrust and conflict between them and they parted with each other. When Satan hears this of creating hate and enmity between couple who were living together in peace and contentment he stands up from his throne with joy and embraces the disciple and acknowledges him as his true representative, because he had performed a feat which none else had done .Sahih Muslim. Book of attributes of the hypocrites. Tradition no: 3813)

Now you can see how hateful and condemnable in the sight of Allah and His Prophet -(saws) are the mutual quarrels, hatred and separation between husband and wife by divorce. etc.! And again how pleasing and blissful the same detestable acts are to Satan! That is why Allah Almighty and His Prophet -(saws) have mentioned in details in the Quran and the Traditions rights and obligations of man and woman. If men obey these injunctions, they can reform and rectify their worldly lives as well as their Hereafter.

Man is In charge over woman
As such Imam Nuwa-wi (rah) has framed another chapter under the title "The rights of husband over wife." The Imam has cited under this chapter Quranic verses and Traditions and has opened the chapter with the verse:
Men are in charge of women, because Allah has made one of them to excel the other. (4:34)

In other words men are watchmen and look after women. Some have also translated this verse to mean that men are rulers over women. The dictionary meaning of the word "Qaw-waam" is a person who is responsible to do or manage some work. Thus, men are in charge over women: they manage their affairs and are their rulers. Here a guiding principle has been provided. Without such a principle man may go on doing wrong in all their affairs misled by a misconception. Thus, while describing men's rights the Shari 'ah has advised women at the very outset about the basic principle that men are protectors and administrators of women's affairs in their lives.

The Propaganda of the contemporary world
In today's world great emphasis is being laid and agitations are launched in support of equality of women with men and their emancipation from man's upper hand. In such an atmosphere people feel ashamed to admit that the Shari ah has made men in charge of women because today full-fledged propaganda is going on that men have imposed their superiority over women. They have been imprisoned under men's hand as helpless subjects and have been declared inferior to men.

While on a .Journey choose one of you as a Leader
Man and woman are indeed the two wheels of the vehicle of life. They have both to make the journey of life together. In this journey of life it is very essential that for the sake of management and guidance one of the two should be made leader to manage the whole journey. The Holy Prophet (saws) is reported to have said in a Tradition:

Whenever two men are on a journey together let one of them make the other his leader, irrespective of that the journey is long or short. It is not right for them to undertake a journey without a leader, so that all the policies and the management of the journey in progress may be subject to the decisions of the leader. Without a responsible leader there may be disorder and confusion. (Abu Dawood Book of Jihad chapter about appointing a leader. Tradition no 2608)

When so much emphasis has been laid on appointing a leader on a short journey, why should this emphasis of appointing a leader not apply to this long journey of life which has to be undertaken together, to avoid mismanagement and to ensure a safe and smooth journey ? Thus, it is imperative to appoint a leader to establish this order.

Who should be the Leader of the journey of life ?
Only two alternatives are open: either the man should be appointed as leader in the journey of life, or the woman should be appointed as leader in the journey of life and the man made her sub-ordinate: there is no third alternative. Now man and woman have been created with distinct physical features. Man is stronger and distinctly more capable of facing the hardship of life than a woman who has been created with tender features. It is. therefore, man alone and not woman, who can discharge rightly and efficiently the duties of this leadership. Instead of relying on one's own wisdom one should better ask Almighty Allah, the Creator as to which of the two should be appointed the leader of the journey. No human judgment, however, wisely made on this issue, can be accepted, except Almighty Allah's infallible judgment. Allah has commanded that man is.. "In charge. the ruler and manager". If man accepts this divine judgment it will ensure prosperity and success. On the other hand, if man rejects and disobeys this judgment and rebels against it. he is going to ruin his life. In fact, the divine punishment is in progress. Look at the fate of the transgressors!

The conception of a Leader in Islam
Try to grasp the meaning of the word which Almighty Allah has used in His command. He has not used the word Amir (leader). Hakim (Ruler) or Badshah (King). He has used, instead the word Qaw-waam (Incharge) which means a person who is responsible for some work and to be responsible means that he will decide upon the overall policy of life. To be a Qaw-waam never means that the husband is the master and the wife is his slave girl or maid servant. The relation between husband and wife is that of a leader and follower, ruler and subject. However, it is not the concept of Amir in Islam that sitting on a throne he should be governing his subjects. On the contrary the concept of Amir in Islam is that which the Holy prophet (saws) has stated:

The leader of the people is their servant, (kanzui Umwal Tradition no 17517)

What an Amir (leader) should be like ?
My honourable father Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Shafi' Sahib (rah) used to relate an incident which is reproduced below in his own words:

Once we were going from Deoband (India) on a journey to some other place. My teacher Hazrat Maulana Izaz Ali Sahib (rah) who was known in Deoband as "Shaikhul Adab" was also accompanying us in the journey. When we reached the Railway Station there was yet some time for the arrival of the train. Maulana 'izaz Ali Sahib said: It is in a Tradition that when you go on a journey, appoint someone your leader, so we too should appoint someone our leader. He being our teacher and we his pupils. I said: We already have an Amir with us. Hazrat Maulana asked : Who is he? I replied: You being our teacher and we your pupils, you are the Amir. Maulana said: All right, but you will have to obey every order of the Amir, because an Amir means that he should be obeyed. I said: When we have appointed you our Amir. We shall. God willing, obey you in all matters. The Maulana was satisfied. When the train arrived, the Maulana took up some luggage of the companions on his head and some in his hands and moved towards the train. At this, we exclaimed What are you doing Sir? Let us carry- the lug-gage. The Maulana replied: No when you have appointed me an Amir, you will have to obey me. Let me carry this luggage. Thus he loaded the entire luggage into the compartment. Apart from this, during the entire journey: when there was some hard job. Maulana himself did it and when we objected, he would at once say: Look here! You have appointed me an Amir and you will have to obey yow Amir's orders. So. Obey my orders. It turned out to be very hard on us to appoint him an Amir. This indeed is the concept of Amir in Islam.

An Amir (leader) is he who serves others
Today when we conceive in our minds an Amir, we conceive him as a King and a Lord who does not tolerate even to talk to his subjects and subordinates. On the other hand, the concept of an Amir, according to the Qur'an and the Traditions is that of a person who is a servant and is ready to serve others. The concept of Amir is not that he has been appointed a King to issue his commands to others to obey him as his servants and slaves. If an Amir issues some command his command will be valid and binding, yet its objective will be their service and to ensure their comfort and welfare only and not a show and exercise of authority.

Husband and wife are friends
Hakimul Ummat Hazrat Ashraf Ali Thanawi has said: Men are particular in preserving in their minds the Quranic verse. meaning that men are in-charge and rulers over women. On the basis of this divine command they are domineering upon women and harbouring in their minds the notion that a woman should in all circumstances be obedient and the relation between the two sexes should be that of master and servant: this is indeed horrible! Almighty Allah has revealed in the Qur'an another verse also which these men do not remember. The verse runs thus:

And it is of His signs that He created for you wives from your own species (i.e. women) so that you may get comfort from them, and He created between you (husband and wife) love and mercy. (30:21)

Hazrat Thanawi has said that man is indeed incharge over woman but at the same time the two are on friendly terms with each other. From the administrative point of view man is incharge or a ruler but internally husband and wife are friends. They are not as master and maid servants with each other. They are just like two friends going on a journey and one makes the other a leader of the journey. The husband is. therefore, an Amir (Leader), because he is responsible to take decisions on affairs arising during the journey of the entire lifetime. This does not permit him to treat his wife as a maidservant and slave girl. This friendship between husband and wife entails some discipline and demands. Within these discipline and demands there are also some tender emotions of coquetry closeness which do not negate their status as being a controller and the controlled.

Such awe is not needed
Hazrat Thanawi (rah) has said that there are some persons in our society who are under the impression that they are ruler over their wives, they should be so awe-inspiring that their wives should shudder with fear when their names are mentioned and should not be able to have conversation with freedom. A class fellow of Maulana once said to him with great pride that when he returned home after many months, his wife and children did not have courage enough to approach him and talk to him. Maulana Sahib asked him: Do you turn into a ravenous animal like a lion or a tiger that your wife or children fear to go near you when you enter your home? He replied: No. this is not the matter, but this is because I am incharge and they should be overawed in my presence. It should be well understood that being incharge never means that wife and children should feel afraid to go near the head of the family and talk to him. There should also be a relation of friendship between them. Read in the following pages what kind of relationship it should be:

The Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (saws)
Once the Holy Prophet (saws) said to Hazrat Ayeshah (ra): I become aware of both the occasions when you are pleased and when you are displeased with me. Hazrat Ayeshah (ra) asked: O Prophet -(saws) of Allah, how do you come to know this? The Holy Prophet (saws) replied: When you are pleased with me you swear by the name of the Lord of Muhammad" and when you are displeased with me you swear by the name of the "Lord of Ibrahim", without pronouncing my name at that time. In reply to this Hazrat Ayeshah said:

O Prophet of Allah I omit only your name. Odo not omit any other feeling. (Sahih Bukhari, Book of etiquettes, Chapter “ It is not lawful to leave the sinner” Tradition No 6-78)

Now think a while who is being displeased and with whom? Hazrat Ayeshah (ra) is displeased with the Holy prophet (saws). This shows that Hazrat 'Ayeshah (ra) sometimes used to say something by way of complacency which gave the impression that she had some ill-will and displeasure in her heart - a mater which the Holy Prophet -(saws) did not take to be against his authoritative 'Inchargeship'. On the other hand he (saws) told her in a very pleasant mood mat he could know the occasions of'Ayeshah's' (ra) displeasure.

A wife's self esteem
When the charge of a heinous slander was levied against the Mother of the believers. Hazrat Ayeshah (ra) may Allah forgive us. it shocked her as a bolt from the blue: so distressing it was! The Holy Prophet (saws) himself was shocked with deep grief that such an undesirable rumour had spread among the people. The Holy Prophet (saws) said to Hazrat Ayeshah (ra) O 'Ayeshah, look here! You need not be so sad. If you are innocent. Allah will surely disclose your innocence. On he other hand, if you have committed - God forbid - Some fault or sin, then turn to Allah in repentance. He shall par-d 'on you.

Hazrat' Ayeshah (ra) felt it too shocking for her that the Holy Prophet (saws) should have spoken these words: If you are innocent Allah will surely disclose your innocence. On the other hand, if you have committed some fault or sin, then turn to Allah in repentance. This shows that there was some slight suspicion in his (saws) heart about the possibility of this sin. On account of a very great shock which she had from this speech she lay down and in this very state the verses exonerating her were revealed. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) was also present on that occasion. The Holy Prophet (saws) was also overjoyed to listen to those verses. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) also was very happy and he said that God willing, the entire calumny would come to an end. He said to Hazrat' Ayeshah (ra): Receive the glad tidings that Almighty Allah has revealed verses to exonerate you. Get up. stand up before the Holy Prophet (saws) and salute him. Hazrat 'Ayeshah (ra) . was lying on her bed. listened to the verse of exonerating and said, while still lying: It is Allah's mercy that He has revealed my innocence. I. therefore, want to thank none, but Allah, because you (both) had allowed a suspicion to enter your hearts about a possibility of my having Committed a sin. (Saluh Bukhari. The book of Tafasir of Surah An-Noor Tradition no 750)

Apparently Hazrat 'Ayeshah (ra) avoided standing before the Holy Prophet (saws), but the Holy Prophet '(saws) did not take it ill because this was matter of feminine self-esteem which emanated from Hazrat 'Ayeshah

It should be noted that this practice of self-esteem is a natural demand of love and friendship. Thus, the relation between husband and wife is not only that of authority and subordination but also of friendship and love. Friendship rightly demands that the play of such feminine coquetry should be tolerated with masculine patience and generosity. It is, however, quite a different matter that in very extreme cases of misconduct the Holy Prophet (saws) expressed his anger. He has. however, always tolerated such behaviours.

It is an act of Summit to please the wife
This is how the Holy Prophet (saws) allowed the demand of friendship. The Holy Prophet (saws) enjoyed a very elevated rank and status with Almighty Allah with his close contact, and the unique privilege of conversation with Him. Yet he at all times tried to please his sacred wives, sought to keep them heartily happy and satisfied, and behaved with them most amicably. An example of this amicability on his part was that one night he related to Hazrat 'Ayeshah (ra) the story of eleven women of Yaman. He told her how these women decided among them that they would disclose to one another the true conducts and characters of their husbands. They depicted the true conditions of their husbands in the most eloquent, chaste and lucid language. He (saws) related this story for the sake of Hazrat Ayeshah's '(ra) pleasure. (Shamail Trimidhi-Chapter on the Prophet’s Night talk)

Bantering with wife is a Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (saws)
One day the Holy Prophet (saws) was staying at the house of Hazrat Sawdah (ra) as it was her turn Hazrat 'Ayeshah (ra) prepared a sweet dish for the Holy Proph et -(saws) and brought it to Hazrat Sawdah's house and placed the dish before the Prophet (saws). She asked Hazrat Sawdah (ra) sitting in front, to take some from the dish. Hazrat Sawdah was annoyed at it. Because it was her turn. Hazrat Sawdah refused to take the sweet. Thereupon Haz rat 'Ayeshah insisted upon Hazrat Sawdah (ra) to eat the sweet or otherwise she threatened that she would smear Sawdah's face with it. Hazrat Sawdah again refused to eat it. Then Hazrat Ayeshah took a small amount of the sweet and rubbed it on Hazrat Sawdah's (ra) face. Hazrat Sawdah (ra) complained to the Holy Prophet (saws) against this behaviour of Hazrat 'Ayeshah The Holy Prophet (saws) said: The reward of an ill is an ill the like thereof. (42.40) In other words if anyone misbehaves with you, you may also misbehave with him in retaliation. The Holy Prophet (saws), therefore, asked Hazrat Sawdah to take her revenge from Hazrat' Ayeshah by rubbing the sweet on her face. Hazrat Sawdah did this. Now both the wives had the sweet on their faces. All this happened before the Holy Prophet (saws) . In the meantime there was a knock at the door. On inquiry it came to knowledge that Hazrat Umar Farooq (ra) was there (probably the Hi jab (veil) had not been enforced by that time). On hearing this the Holy Prophet (saws) asked the two wives to wash their faces, because Hazrat Umar (ra), had arrived there. They, therefore, washed their faces. ( Majmauz-zawaid-Haishami Vol iv P316)

The Prophet (saws) who was constantly in communion with Allah, was continuously in conversation with Him and revelation was descending down: it was indeed a personality that enjoyed the privilege of presence before Allah which none else enjoyed on the surface of the earth. Despite all this, the Holy Prophet (saws) cared so much for the happiness and pleasure of his sacred wives (raa)

The Station of the "Presence" before Allah
We all utter the word "Presence", but do not know what is its real impart. If anyone ever had the taste of this 'Presence', then only he could realize what it is. Hazrat Dr. Abdul Hai a spiritual leader in Pakistan used to say that sometimes the idea of "Presence" (before Allah) so thoroughly overtakes some servants of Allah that they cannot lie down or sleep with their legs stretched. That is because they are constantly absorbed in a feeling that they are in the presence of their Creator. Allah, and indeed how can one lie down with his legs stretched before an elder and far superior to him? He can never do so. Thus how can a person who enjoys such an exalted and rare status of
"presence" afford to joke with his wife. It is only a Messenger of Allah who can enjoy this unique privilege. Nevertheless, as Almighty Allah has conferred on man the status of an "incharge" or a ruler over women, his decisions will have to be obeyed. It is. however, open to women to offer their opinions; and Allah has indeed enjoined upon men to please their wives as far as possible. If a house-lady does not keep this in view and wants to impose her decision on her husband in all affairs and become a ruler in place of her husband, then this is against nature, the Shari ah wisdom and justice. The result of such an attitude on the part of housewives can lead to a total ruin of the household.

The Responsibilities of women
Allama Nuwa-wi (rah) has further stated, quoting a verse of The Holy Qur'an:

So virtuous women are obedient, guarding in secret what Allah has guarded. (4:34)

In the explanation of this verse the Allamah has said that it is the duty of virtuous women to be obedient (Qaa-ni-tah) to Allah, obedient to their husbands in the matter of the rights which are due by them to their husbands and to guard the houses of their husbands in their absence. Almighty Allah has mentioned it among the essential attributes of women. He has entrusted to them the duty of guarding the houses of their husbands when the latter are away from their houses. Guarding the houses means firstly to guard their own honour and chastity and guard the money and properties of their husbands, because, the duties of guarding these value rests on wives. This is confirmed in a Tradition:

(Sahih Bukhan. the Book of Friday chapter. Tradition no: 893)

A wife is the protector of the house of her husband, i.e. it is her responsibility to protect the money and properly of her husband. Under most circumstances it is not binding on a wife to prepare food, but she has been made responsible to protect the money and property of her husband in such a way that they may not be squandered. The Holy Qur'an has appointed this act of guarding as her essential responsibility:

The life cannot be based on the Laws only
It has been explained that preparation of food does not fall within the responsibilities of a wife. But this is a matter of legal technicality. It is, however, not possible’ to lead meaningful life under the duress of dry laws. Just as wife is not responsible legally to prepare food, in the same way a husband is not responsible legally to provide medical treatment to his wife if she falls ill. It is also not the legal responsibility of the husband to take his wife to the house of her parents to see them, nor is it necessary to welcome lo his house the parents of the wife when they visit their daughter. The jurists have gone to the extent of ruling that the wife's parents can see their daughter only once in a week, see her from a distance only and then go back. The husband is not responsible to welcome them into the house and offer them seats to sit and see their daughter. If life is confined within the thorns of the law, the household of both will be doomed. The wheels of life will run smoothly only when both pass their lives according to the Traditions of the Holy Prophet (saws) and follow in the footsteps of the sacred wives of the Prophet (saws)

Wife should take care of her husband's possessions
Hazrat Maulana Thanawi has stated in his sermons that it is among the duties of a wife to take care of the money of her husband that it may not be wasted and squandered lavishly. If a wife is careless in this matter then she frustrates the requirements of her legal obligations.

The Angels curse such a wife
(Sahih Bukhari, Book of Nikah. chapter women remaining away. Tradition no: 5193)

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (ra) has narrated that the Holy Prophet (saws) said: When a husband calls his wife to his bed for intercourse but she does not obey the call or behaves with her husband in such a way that the husband is displeased, then the Angels curse such a woman the whole night till dawn.

Cursing means that the woman will not receive Allah's mercy that night. This is because in spite of so many rights which the wife enjoys from the side of the husband, she fails to safeguard the chastity of the husband so as to prevent him from falling into some undesirable desires. The basic object of marriage is to provide safeguard against lewdness. If the wife fails to provide this safeguard the Angles must curse her.

Another Tradition
If a woman passes the night away from the bed of her husband, the Angels curse her until dawn. Now just consider how a small matter has been mentioned in the Tradition that if the wife fails in satisfying her husband's call for intercourse or to disappoint him in any other way. then she is cursed the whole night. Similarly if a wife leaves her husband's house without his permission, then the Angels of Allah curse her until her return. The Holy Prophet (saws) has explained all these matters one by one in all details, because negligence in these matters may lead grave consequences.

No optional fasting without husband's permission

SAHIH BUKHARI BOOK OF NIKAH TRADITION NO 5195

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA) has narrated that Holy Prophet (saws) said: It is not lawful for a wife to observe optional fast in the presence of her husband except with his permission. Great virtues have been mentioned in the Traditions for optional forms of worship, but a wife cannot observe them without the permission of her husband, because this may be a source of inconvenience to him. however, it is not like a good husband to prevent his wife from optional worship, unless it is unavoidable. He should be liberal in according permission as far as possible. Undue strictness in this matter leads to tension and bitterness. Husband and wife both should adopt a flexible attitude in this matter. However, if the husband does not permit his wife to observe optional fasts, she should not insist on it and obey her husband because obedience to the husband has preference to the optional fasting.

This shows that Allah and His Prophet (saws) prefer husband's obedience over all optional forms of worship. So the virtuous reward which a wife will earn by obeying her husband will be much more than that from the optional fasting. The wife should not misunderstand that she has been deprived of the virtue of fasting. She should think that she wanted to observe fasts only to earn reward of the Hereafter and to please Allah. On the other hand Allah has said that He shall not be pleased with a wife unless the husband of that wife is pleased with her. Thus, a wife can earn the same reward by eating and drinking which she could earn by observing the fasts, only if she pleases her husband.

Reward for doing Household work
Sometimes we are led to think that the husband and wife relation is only a worldly affair and a source of satisfying a sensual appetite. This is not correct. This is purely religious matter. If a wife is able to understand that Almighty Allah has imposed on her a duty and the aim of this husband-wife relation is to please the husband and through his Pleasure to please Almighty Allah, then this entire affair becomes a source of virtuous reward. The housewives are busy doing household work the whole day from morning till evening. If they do all this with the intention of pleasing their husbands then all this work is recorded in their ac-counts as worship, whether the work consists of cooking food looking after the house, brining up the children, minding the comforts and needs of the husband or pleasing the husband with an amicable and warming style of conversation. All these actions are rewarded in the Hereafter with divine favours, only when these are done with pure and sincere intention.

Virtuous Reward for satisfying the sexual desire
There is a definite and clear Tradition on this subject. The Holy Prophet (saws) has said that Almighty Allah grants recompense on the mutual contacts between husband and wife. The Holy Companions (ra) asked: O Prophet (saws) of Allah, man does this only to satisfy his sexual desire; how can it fetch him a reward? The Holy Prophet (saws) said: Will not man commit a sin if he satisfies this desire with unlawful means? The Companions said. Yes. Prophet of Allah, it will indeed be a sin. The Holy Prophet (saws) then said: The husband and wife satisfy their sexual desires in a lawful way. by shunning the unlawful ways, in compliance with Allah's injunctions so they shall receive reward for this action as well. (Musnad ibn Hambai. vol 5 Page 169167)

Almighty Allah looks at both with Merciful Eye
There is a Tradition which Hazrat Maulana Thanawi has quoted in many places in his writings and sermons, although I myself have not seen it. The Tradition mentions that if a husband on entering his house casts a glance of love on his wife and the wife also responds with similar glance on her husband Allah also looks at them with mercy. Therefore, the husband-wife relation is not only a worldly affair. They are source of happiness or distress in the Hereafter.

According to a Tradition in the Tirmidhi Hazrat 'Ay-eshah (RA) has narrated: To compensate the fasts which I missed in the month of Ramadan on account of natural period I used to observe compensatory fasts generally during the month of next Sha 'ban, i.e. after the lapse of eleven months. I followed this practice because the Holy Prophet (saws) also observed fasts on most days in the month of Sha'ban. Fasting in the month of Shaban was better because the Holy Prophet (saws) also used to fast in most of the days of Sha'ban. Although these were not optional fasts but obligatory fasts of Ramadan. Hazrat 'Ayeshah postponed these fasts for such a long time to avoid inconvenience to the Holy Prophet (saws) . (Sahih Muslim. Book of Siyam. Chapter Qaza Ramadan in Sha'ban Tradition no: 11466).

A wife should not allow a stranger into the House
The next sentence of this Tradition is: It means that it is also an obligatory duty of the wife that she should allow none to enter her husband's house without his permission, nor should she allow a person to enter the house whom the husband does not like. It is strictly forbidden for a wife to allow anyone to enter the house at her own option. The same point has been emphasized in greater detail in another Tradition: (Tirmidhi. The Book of suckling, chapter about the wife's rights over her husband Tradition no 1163)

You should remember that you have some rights over your wives and your wives have some rights over you. i.e.. both have some rights over each other. It is necessary for each side to fulfill and protect the rights of the others. What are those rights? They are: O men your rights over your wives are that they should not allow those persons to use your bed whom you dislike, nor should they allow those persons to enter your houses whose entry you dislike. Here two rights have been mentioned:

(1) It is binding on the wife not to allow a person to enter the house whose entry the husband dislikes. This applies even to such person as may be close relatives of the wife. The parents are allowed to visit the house only to have a look at their daughter. The husband cannot stop them from this, but it is not lawful for them to stay in the house without the permission of the husband, because the Holy Prophet # has asked them in clear words not to allow the entry of undesirable persons whoever they may be.

(2) The Holy Prophet (saws) has also advised that the wives should not allow those persons to use the bed of their husbands whom their husbands do not like. It includes sitting, lying down, and sleeping on the bed of the husband.

The Islam of Hazrat Umme Habeebah
The mother of the believers, Hazrat Umme-Habeebah (RAA) is one of the sacred wives of the Holy Prophet (saws). The history of the Holy Companions (ra) is fraught with guidance. Hazrat Umme-e-Habeebah is the daughter of Hazrat Abu Sufyan: who spent about twenty-one years in opposing the Holy Prophet (saws) and took parts in battles against him. He was one of the leaders of Makkah and embraced Islam on the occasion of the victory of Makkah and thus became a Companion. It is a manifestation of the omnipotence of Almighty Allah that Hazrat Umme-Ha- Beebah, the daughter of such a great infidel leader, and her husband both embraced Islam, while her father was engaged in opposing and resisting the Muslims. The Islam of his daughter and son-in-law greatly displeased Abu Sufyan and he was not able to tolerate their conversion to Islam. He was. therefore, always taking all possible steps to torment them. At that time many Muslims, compelled by the cruel treatment of the unbelievers, had migrated to Abyssinia and Hazrat Umme-Habeebah and her husband were also among the Muslim migrants. They both lived there. Strange are the ways of Almighty Allah! After sometime Umme-Habeebah dreamt that the face of her husband had altogether changed and distorted. When she awoke she feared lest something untoward should happen to the faith and religion of her husband. After the lapse of a few days the meaning of that dream was revealed. Her husband used to visit a Christian on account of which he lost his Islamic faith and turned a Christian. This mishap struck Hazrat Umme-Habeebah as a boll from the blue. For the sake of Islam she left her parents, her homeland and all her dear ones and settled in this foreign land, and the only sympathiser and helper, her husband, turned a Christian. It was like a doomsday for her. After sometime her husband died in this condition and she remained all alone with none to look after her.

Her marriage with the Holy Prophet (saws)
The Holy Prophet (saws) received the sad news in Madi-nah that her husband had become Christian and died as such and Hazrat Umme-Habeebah; was left all alone in a foreign land. In this state of her loneliness and helplessness the Holy Prophet (saws) sent a message to the King of Abyssinia, Negus, to convey to Umme-Habeebah the Prophet's proposal of marriage with her. The message was conveyed to her through Negus.

Hazrat Umme-Habeebah herself relates her story:

"One day I was sitting in the house alone when someone knocked at the door. When I opened the door I found a maid standing there. I asked her, "From where have you come?" She replied: "Negus the King of Abyssinia has sent me to you (This is the same Negus who had believed in the Holy Prophet (saws) and embraced Islam) I again asked her. "Why has he sent you to me?" She replied. "He has sent me to you because Hazrat Muhammad, the Prophet of Allah has sent through King a proposal of his marriage with you." Hazrat Umme-Habeebah says that when the words of the proposal entered her ears she was struck with surprise as well as happiness to such an extent that she gave the maid in return for the glad news whatever she had with her at that time. Thereafter both were married, while Hazrat Habeebah was in Abyssinia and the Holy Prophet (saws) was in Ma-dinah. After sometime the Holy Prophet (saws) made necessary arrangements to bring her back to Madinah. (Al-lsabah feeTamee-zis Sahabah. vol. 4. p 298 Ramlah)

The Reasons for the Prophet's Multi-Marriages
It is a fact that the Holy Prophet (saws) married man)y wives to which ignorant and evil-disposed people raise objections. It is. however, also a confirmed fact that at the back of every marriage lies some marvelous wisdom-Look at the wisdom at the back of this marriage. In what a pitiable condition Hazrat Umme-Habeebah was living in Abyssinia, no one to help or look after her. If the Holy Prophet (saws) had not sympathised with her what would have happened to her? After marrying her in this deplorable condition, he (saws) called her back to Madinah.

Non-Muslims extol this
It is also a marvelous event and miracle of the Holy Prophet (saws) that after the Prophet's marriage with Hazrat Umme-Habeebah when the news reached Hazrat Abu Sufyan in Makkah. and he was then an arch-enemy of Islam and of the Holy Prophet (saws) and an infidel, the following words spontaneously escaped from his mouth:

This is a happy news, because Muhammad (saws) is not among those men whose proposal can be turned down. It is indeed a matter of good luck that she has gone there.

Breach of Agreement
At Hudaibiyah a treaty of truce was signed between the Holy Prophet (saws) and Abu Sufyan the full details of which are available in history books. Abu Sufyan and other infidels abided by the conditions of this treaty for one year only. Thereafter, they began to violate those conditions. In consequence the Holy Prophet (saws) declared that he was no longer bound to abide by the treaty and as such he (saws) could attack the Holy Makkah as and when he wished. When his enemies did not honour their covenant he (saws) too was not bound to honour it. After this declaration Hazrat Abu Sufyan feared that the Holy Prophet (saws) could attack the Holy Makkah at any time.

You are not fit for this Bed
Once Hazrat Sufyan was returning from Syria, the Muslims arrested him and his caravan. Hazrat Abu Sufyan. however, managed some how To enter the Holy city of Madinah secretly. He did this with the idea that his own daughter was in the house of the Holy Prophet (saws) and would talk to him (saws) and might thus secure his release: He. therefore, secretly entered the house of Hazrat Umme-Habeebah his daughter welcomed him. When he entered the house the bedding of the Holy Prophet (saws) was lying spread and Hazrat Abu Sufyan wanted to sit on it. Seeing this Hazrat Umme-Habeebah, quickly went ahead, rolled up the bedding and kept it aside. (Hazrat) Abu Sufyan was very much astonished at this action of his own daughter and said:

Ramlah! Is this bedding not worthy of me or am I not worthy of this bedding? Hazrat Umme-Habeebah, replied: My dear father! The truth is that you are not worthy of this bedding. It is the bedding of Muhammad the Prophet of Allah (saws) and I cannot allow in my life a Mushrik (Idolater) to sit on this bed.

(Hazrat) Abu Sufyan (ra) said in reply: Ramlah! I little knew that you would become so changed that you would not allow even your own father to sit on this bed. This acti on of Hazrat Umme-Habeebah that she did not allow even her own father to sit on the bed of the Holy Prophet (saws)was in accordance with this Tradition: "your wives should not allow such persons to use your bedding as you do not like. (Al-Isbah Tameezis-Sahabah vol iv P 298 Ramlah)

The wife should approach her husband willingly.
The Holy Prophet (saws) said: a husband calls his wife for his desire she must come to him even if she is in a kitchen.

(Timiidhi. Book of suckling – Haqqul Zauj ‘alal-mirati Tradition no 1160)

Hazrat Talaq bin Ali (ra). has narrated that the Holy Prophet (saws) said: When the husband calls his wife for his need, it is binding on the wife to go to him at once, even if she is busy at the oven (baking bread). That is she should not refuse to respond to the husband's call even in such critical moments.

Marriage is the Lawful way of satisfying sexual desire
Almighty Allah has created in every man and woman a natural desire of sexual satisfaction and He has prescribed for the satisfaction of this natural desire a lawful way and that way is the institution of marriage. Amicable relations between husband and wife are most important in the fulfillment of this natural demand. That is why through His many commands and injunctions Allah has opened all the lawful ways for the satisfaction of this natural instinct and desire, so that no man and no woman may ever think of taking resort to unlawful ways to satisfy this desire. Husband and wife must cooperate with each other in the satisfaction of this desire, so that none may be induced to look to someone else for this purpose in violation of Allah's commands.

Marriage is an easy matter
That is why Allah has made it very easy to establish a matrimonial relation. It requires only the presence of two (man and woman) and two witnesses is necessary. The man and the woman agree before the two witnesses to accept each other as wife and husband and that is all. The marriage stands finalised. It is not necessary even to recite the matri-monial recitation - it is only a Sunnah. It is also not necessary that this simple rite should be performed by a Qazi (a professional official to solemnise marriage) or any other person. It is also a Sunnah if a third person, say a Qazi. does the job.

If before two witnesses one of the couple says: "I married you" and the other says, "I accepted the offer of marriage", the marriage stands solemnised. Neither it is necessary to go to mosque nor is it necessary to have a person as an intermediary. The lawful way of marriage in Islam has been made so simple!

A Blessed Marriage
It has also been ordained that the marriage ceremony and formalities must be very simple and easy. No observance of customs, no special conditions and no elaborate and pompous celebrations arc necessary. According to a Tradition once a son or daughter comes of age the parents should arrange their marriage so that they may not feel the need of taking an unlawful course and the lawful course may become easy for them to follow. The Holy Prophet (saws) has said in a Tradition:

The best marriage is one which is very simple and easy.

The more a marriage ceremony is extended with various rites and pomp and show the lesser shall be the blessings in it.

The marriage of Hazrat 'Abdur Rahman bin 'Auf (ra)
Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Auf (ra) is a companion of high dignity and one of the ten Promised of Paradise,viz, those companions whom the Holy Prophet (saws) had given in their lifetime the glad tidings of Paradise. Once when he came to the meeting of the Holy Prophet (saws) the prophet saw on his shirt a yellow stain. When the Holy prophet: inquired from him about the coloured spot, he said:

O messenger of Allah (saws), I have married a woman and at the time of the marriage I had applied scent, and this is the stain of the scent. Then the Holy Prophet (saws) said:"May Allah grant you blessings in it. Arrange a matrimonial feast (Walimah). even it is with one goal only." Sahih Bukhan. Book of purchases. Tradition no: 2048)

The point to be noted in this Tradition is that Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Auf is one of the ten Promised of Paradise and a most closely associated companion of the Holy Prophet (saws) yet not only he did not invite the Holy Prophet (saws). to the marriage ceremony, but he did not also even inform him of the marriage. He informed the Holy Prophet at the time of answering his question about the coloured spot on his shirt. The Holy Prophet (saws) did not complain to him that he was not invited to the marriage. This is because the Islamic Shariah has prescribed no conditions and restrictions for marriages.

We have made marriage a problem
Once Hazrat Jabir (ra) called on the Holy Prophet (saws) and told him: O Prophet of Allah! I have married a woman. Hazrat Jabir (ra) was a closely associated companion and he was frequently in his (saws) company, yet he did not invite the Prophet (saws) to the marriage ceremony, because in the Prophet's time it was a general custom that no special formalities were observed on the occasion of marriage, as is done in these days. Preparations are made from months ahead and the entire family is engaged in various activities. Without these a marriage is considered to be impossible. With our meaningless, rather undesirable customs and useless formalities we have made marriage a difficult and expensive venture. The Shari ah with its injunctions has made it simple and inexpensive. With the result that girls are silting in their parents houses without marriage growing over age. because their guardians are not in a position to afford dowry, magnificent celebrations in stately marriage halls. In collecting money for this purpose the difference between lawful and unlawful is totally ignored. We have given up the Sunnah of marriage and have, instead, adopted the ways of the Hindus and the Christians. Large amounts of money are needed to arrange a marriage and they can hardly be procured through lawful means. Film shows are going on in the houses day and night on the TV which mostly excite evil passions and deform the morals of the youth. If you go out in the markets your eyes will hardly meet any scene of temperate nature. As a result of this curses of obscenity, nakedness, shame-lessness are gaining currency in society. These un-Islamic customs and formalities have driven our society to the brink of ruin.

The Dowry is a curse on our Society
With regard to this evil the responsibility mainly devolves on those families that are well-fed well-to-do, rich and wealthy. The society cannot get rid of this curse unless the wealthy, the well-to-do and the rich people resolved to take practical steps to perform marriages in their families with simplicity and do away with the useless and wrong customs. A poor man is compelled by the prevailing trends that he has to go through all these vicious and expensive formalities to maintain his apparent social position. If dowry is not provided the in-laws will taunt the girl her lifetime for lack-ness. Today dowry is considered as an essential part of marriage. The burden providing the couple with the household necessities which should fall on the shoulders of the bride-groom has now been thrown on the weak shoulder of the bride's father. As if the grief and shock of parting with his dear daughter for good was not enough to break the nerves of the girls' father that he is made to bear the liability of lack of rupees to provide furniture, etc. To furnish another's house. There is no justification for such things in the Shari'ah. It is all right if some father wants to give his daughter’ anything: he can do so quietly and with simplicity without making a demonstration of the gifts.

In the end it may be repeated that if the rich classes of the society do not launch a campaign to eradicate these evils first from their own circles and show the path of simplicity to the less privileged classes, this curse cannot be eradicated from our society. May Allah infuse the truth in our hearts by His mercy. Aameen.

The husband's dignity
(Tirmidhi, Book of Suckling Chapter right of husband over wife. Tradition no: 1159)

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (ra) has reported the Holy Prophet (saws) as saying: If it had been lawful for me to command a person to prostrate before a person I would have commanded a woman to prostrate before her husband. As it is unlawful for any person to bow down before any other person, I cannot give this command before anyone but Allah.

This is an attachment between two hearts
In the journey of life where men and women are journeying together Allah has appointed the man an Incharge and a guardian. Except for this rank, all other ranks are short lived and temporary. Today a man is incharge, ruler or king but this rule and kingship is for a limited and appointed time. Yesterday he was an incharge and ruler, today he is in a jail; yesterday he was a king but today he is not worth a penny. These positions of rulership and kingship are only transitory. What is in existence today will perish and vanish tomorrow. As against this the attachment between husband and wife is a lifelong attachment, a continuous companionship, inseparable even for a single moment. The authority which a man wields lingers till death or till the validity of the marriage. This special authority or rank is, therefore, quite different from the commonly known authorities. In other authorities the attachment between the ruler and the ruled, the King and the subjects is only a formal, conventional and legal attachment, but this is not the case with the attachment existing between husband and wife. It is a welding together of two hearts, a fusion of two hearts whose effects encompass the entire lifetime. That is why the Holy Prophet (saws) said: If I were to order anyone to prostrate before any person I would order a woman to bow down before her husband, because he is the leader of the wife's life-journey.

The most beloved personality
It is the Sunnah (practice) of the Holy Prophet (saws) that he draws the attention of every person to his bounden duties. When he (saws) addressed the husband he stated all the rights of the wife, one by one. Now when he is addressing the women her attention is being drawn to her duties and she is advised to note well that the most honourable and beloved personality for her on the surface of the earth after Almighty Allah and His Prophet (saws) is her own husband, and that she cannot do full justice to the rights of and obedience to her husband unless she fully understands the truth. However, there is no denying the fact that the commands of Almighty Allah and His Prophet (saws) have preference and priority over all other things. When the question of obeying commands of Allah and His Prophet (saws) arises the commands to obey father, mother and husband are ignored. The status of the husband comes next to that of Allah and His Prophet. So, try to please him, pay the dues of his rights and obey him.

Modern Civilisation has reversed Everything
Today all things have taken an apposite course. Haz-rat Qari Muhammad Tayyib of Deoband (India) used to say that in modern civilisation everything has been reversed, so much so that in olden times there used to be darkness below the lamp but now there is darkness over the electric bulb.

Attending to the household affairs may not be an obligatory duty for women in the Shari'ah but it is surely a Sunnah (practice) of Hazrat Fatimah (raa) who used to do all the work of her house herself and with her own hands. Apart from this a woman has also been commanded to obey her husband. As such, if a woman does her household work, cooks food for her husband and children, she.is entitled to great rewards from Almighty Allah. But the concept of today's perverted civilisation is that a women's abiding within her house and performing the household duties is retrogression backwardness. What is happening today? A woman works as an air hostess serves food to four hundred passengers, stands before them with a tray decorated with drinks and food. She becomes the target of thirsty and greedy gazes of four hundred men. Each passenger on the aero plane takes from her a different service, sometimes calling her for nothing but only for lustful enjoyment and armorous exchange of words. The meaning of all this in the lexicon of modern civilisation is freedom and emancipation of women. If the same woman provides the same services to her husband, children, brothers and sisters, it is termed as being out of fashion and regarded as opposed to advancement and progress.

If the same woman is working in a hotel as a waitress and serving customers day and night with food and drinks she is an emblem of emancipation of women. It is her freedom if she becomes a secretary or a stenographer of some officer, but if the same woman does the same work within the bounds of her house for her husband, children and parents, this is considered to be out dated style of life:

You have named wisdom insanity; And named insanity wisdom,; Your wonder causing beauty is at liberty to do whatever it likes.

The Responsibility of a woman
The Holy Prophet (saws) is reported to have said that it is not obligatory for a woman to serve any individual of the world. She is free from all burdens and all responsibilities, except that she should stay peacefully in her own house, obeying her husband, and bringing up her children with care and love. This is her bounden duty and thereby she would be building the nation and she would be its architect. This is the place of honour which the Holy Prophet (saws) has granted to a woman. Now it is up to her to choose between the place of honour or the place of disgrace.

Woman entering Paradise directly
(Tirmidhi. the Book of suckling, chapter on the rights of a husbandTradition no: 1161)

Hazrat Umme Salmah (raa) has narrated that the Holy Prophet (saws) said: If a woman dies in a state that her husband is pleased with her she will enter Paradise directly.

He is your Guest only for a few days
(Tirmidhi Book of suckling chapter no 19. Tradition no: 1174)
Hazrat Ma'az bin Jabal (ra) has narrated that the Holy Prophet (saws) said: When a wife troubles her husband (because sometime a woman is ill natured and teases her husband, then his wife whom Allah has ordained for him in paradise in the form of houries, address his worldly wife form Paradise as under: Do not torture him, because he is a guest of yours for a few days and is expected to leave you and come to us soon. The Holy Prophet (saws) has addressed the following words of admonition to ill-natured women: You are doing no harm to your husbands by troubling them. You may harm them in this world as you like, but in the Hereafter Almighty Allah shall many them with Houries of beautiful eyes who love their worldly husbands so dearly that they are pained to see even now that their worldly husbands are in trouble by their worldly wives.

The Greatest Trial for men
Sahih Bukhari. Book of Nikah. chapter on maa yat-taqi. Tradition no: 5096
Hazrat Usamah bin Zaid (ra) has narrated that the Holy Prophet (saws) said: I have not left behind for men a trial more harmful than the trial by women.

The trial by women is the hardest trial for men in this world. It will require a voluminous book to record how these women become a trial for men.

How is women a Trial ?
The Arabic word "Fitnah" means a trial. Allah has created women a trial for men in this world. But how is woman a trial? It is not possible to clarify this point thoroughly in a short time. She is a trial as she was to Haz-Rat Yousuf (as) (Joseph) Allah has endowed man with the tendency of being attracted by a woman. Allah has given clear instructions about the unlawful and lawful channels of satisfying one's desires. To leave man free to choose between two ways is a trial, indeed. The second trial by means of a woman how he behaves with his wife. In other words, does he deal with her in the way which Allah and His Prophet fife have shown him or does he deviate from that way and exploits her rights?

A woman becomes a trial when man is involved in her love that he ignores the demands of the Shari 'ah. Is he satisfying her and meeting her demands without minding what is lawful and what is unlawful? Is he not providing his wife religious teaching and training? This is also a trial because, man is facing two contending problems. Love for the wife demands that he should not interfere with her in her actions, whereas it is the demand of Shari ah that she should be compelled to keep within the limits of its laws. In short, there are trials at even step and a man cannot steer clear of these trials except with the help of Almighty Allah. A man should, therefore, try his best to discharge the rights of his wife and also pay attention to her training and education. While keeping in view her loss and gain, he should at the same time also shun all unlawful activities and temptations. As man cannot succeed in all these trying situations without Allah's help, the Holy Prophet (saws) has taught us a supplication:

O Allah! I take refuge in you from the trials of women.

This contains a hint that it is not possible to go through this trial and remain safe from its harms without Allah's specific help. It is, therefore, necessary to turn to Almighty Allah and pray with submission and sincerity that He may protect us from falling into the pit of errors and sins and temptations. Everyone should make this supplication a part of his daily prayers.

Everyone is a Caretaker and Guardian
Sahih Bukhari the book of Friday, chapter Friday prayer in villages… Tradition no. 893

This is a wonderful Tradition and is very comprehensive in its import and the Tradition has been addressed to everyone of us. Everyone will be questioned about the persons and things which have been placed under his charge. The Arabic word "Ra’I" means a guardian or a caretaker. It also means a herdsman, because he feeds the herds of goats and sheep. It also means a ruler and those over whom he rules are his "Rayiyah" subjects. The Holy Prophet (saws has. therefore, said that everyone is a guardian or caretaker and he will be asked on the Day of Judgment how he discharged his duties of caretaking and guarding, his subject.

The Ruler is the Guardian of his subjects
Every Ruler is the guardian of those placed under his care. He will be asked on the Day of Judgment: How did you look after them? The conception of a Ruler in Islam is not wearing the crown of Ruler ship. and keeping himself aloof from his subjects. The conception of a Ruler in Islam is to serve and take care of the subject. That is why Hazrat Umar Farooq (ra) has said: Even if a dog dies hungry on the bank of the river Euphrates I think that on the Day of Judgment I shall be asked, "O Umar why a dog died hungry during your rule."

Caliphate a huge burden of responsibilities
When Hazrat Umar Farooq the Great (ra) was fatally wounded, the people requested him to nominate someone to succeed him as caliph after him. At that time they recommended to him his son for the Caliphate. Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar was undoubtedly a dignified Companion. None had any doubt about his learning, righteousness, and sincerity. When the people proposed to him the name of his son. Hazrat Umar Farooq the Great said: Do you want me to nominate after me as caliph a person who does not know how to divorce his wife? The incident is as follows:

During the days of the Holy Prophet (saws) Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (ra) divorced his wife during her menstruation period and he did not know that to divorce a woman in this condition was forbidden . The Holy Prophet (saws) ordered him to revoke the divorce, and in obedience to the Prophet's order he did revoke the divorce. In rejecting the people's advice to nominate Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar as caliph after him. Hazrat Umar Farooq referred to this event of divorce.

The people again insisted on their proposal on the plea that Hazrat Abdullah's fault in the matter of divorce was due to his ignorance of the injunction about divorce and this did not disqualify him for the Caliphate. The reply which Hazrat Umar Farooq gave to the people I worth remembering. He told them: It is quite enough that the noose of Caliphate fell around the neck of one of the sons of Khattab. Now 1 do not want to put this noose of Caliphate on the neck of any other member of my clan. The reign and Caliphate are really a very heavy burden of responsibility. On the occasion of accountability in the Hereafter it will be a great boon for me if I am let off with no loss and no gain.

This is the conception of a Ruler and a Guardian in Islam. He further added:

Man is the Guardian and protector of his wife and children.
Man is Guardian and Protector of his household.

His wife, children and other members of which he is head arc all included in the meaning of household. The head of the household will be questioned in the Hereafter about every member. He will be asked: This household was placed under your control How did you deal with your wife and children? In what manner did you look after them and how did you discharge their rights? Did you ever take care if they were following the path of religion or not to see if they were going in the direction of Hell? Did you ever pay attention to such vital matters? Man will be questioned about all these things on the Day of Resurrection as has been said in the Holy Qur'an:

O believers save yourselves and your family from the Fire.... (66:6)

According to the injunction contained in this verse it is not enough that the believers should save only themselves from the punishment of the Fire of Hell by doing good deeds like praying, fasting, optional acts of devotion, remembrance of Allah, etc. while paying no attention to the activities of their children and other persons under their charge and thus failing in their duty to save the latter also from the punishment of the Fire of Hell. Beware, that on the Day of Judgment you will be questioned why you did not discharge your duty. You will be punished for this neglect on your part. That is why it was said that man is a guardian over his household.

The woman is a Guardian over the household and the children
And the woman is a guardian over the house of her husband and his children.

Thus, the care of two things have been entrusted to the woman, the house of her husband and his children. She is required to guard the house, manage it efficiently in all its affairs, including the care and supervision of the children in matters relating to the world as well as to the faith. This is included in the duties of women. This Tradition has thus explained the duties of man and woman.

Follow the Sunnah of Hazrat Fatimah (raa)
Hazrat Fatimah (raa) is the leader of the women of Paradise. After marriage she went to Hazrat Ali's house. Hazrat Ali and Hazrat Fatimah both decided between themselves that Hazrat Ali (ra) would attend to outdoor work and Hazrat Fatimah would discharge her duties within the house with great diligence and enthusiasm and she would also serve her husband with love and faith. The work she had to do required great labour and was hard lor her. It was not an easy job as it is in our times that you switch on the electric stove and the food is ready. In those days the preparation of food involved grinding the barley on a hand mill, collecting wood, and firing the oven for baking the bread. It was indeed a tedious job to do which Hazrat Fatimah did willingly and without murmur. When, as a result of the battle of Khai-bar. great spoils including slaves and maids fell into the hands of the Holy Prophet (saws) he (saws) began to distribute them among the Companions (ra) . Someone advised Hazrat Fatimah to approach the Holy Prophet (saws) for a slave or a maid. Hazrat Fatimah therefore, called on Hazrat Ayeshah
and requested her to tell the Holy Prophet (saws) that owing to grinding flour her palms were hard and knotty and while carrying the water bag the straps had left its mark on her breast. It would be a great relief to her if a slave or maid was given to her. After making this request Hazrat Fatimah returned home.

When the Holy Prophet (saws) came home, Hazrat 'Ayeshah conveyed to the Prophet (saws) his daughter's problems and her request for a slave or maid. After all the Holy Prophet was a father and Hazrat Fatimah his dearest child. You may well imagine how he must have felt stirred in his heart, but he remained calm and sent for Hazrat Fatimah and said to her: Fatimah you have asked me for a maid or a slave. I would not like to provide a maid or slave to Muhammad's daughter, unless every resident of Madinah had one.

Tasbeeh Fatimah - a Unique formula
The Holy Prophet (saws) . said: I, however, prescribe for you a remedy that will serve you better than a slave or a maid and it is this: On the night when going to your bed make it a regular practice to recite 33 times (Sub-haa-nallah), meaning Glorified is Allah, 33 times {Al-ham-du lil-laah), meaning all praise be to Allah and 34 times (Al-laa-hu Akbar) meaning Allah is the Greatest of all.

Hazrat Fatimah (ra) was not an ordinary woman, she was the daughter of the Holy Prophet (saws) . She felt contented with these divine words, and went back. That is why this Zikr is called "Tasbih-e-Fatimah,"

The Holy Prophet (saws) made her dear daughter a model for women to be followed by other wives. Whatever the legal position, the sunnah is that the wife should be a guardian of her husband's house and as a guardian she should work for her husband as she should work for her own self.

Mother is responsible for bringing up the children
The woman is not only the guardian of the husband's house but she is also the guardian of his children. The Holy Prophet 4& has placed on the shoulders of the housewife the responsibility of bringing up and serving and educating them. If the children are not being brought up on the right lines if they are not learning the Islamic etiquettes and ways of living, the mother will be questioned first and her husband will be questioned later. She will be asked: Why did the children being in your lap remained devoid of the Islamic conduct, character and etiquette of Islam. The Holy Prophet (saws), therefore, repeated the same sentence:

Everyone of you is a caretaker and everyone will be questioned about the person and things placed under his charge. May Almighty Allah, by His mercy, help us in understanding these obligator,' duties and in discharging them. Aameenl

And we close with the call that all praise to be Allah, the lord of the worlds

TAKEN FROM DISCOURSES OF ISLAMIC WAY OF LIFE VOL II