The differences between men’s and women’s roles in today’s society are frequently debated and discussed. Islam places a premium on healthy, moral marriages that flourish with children and spouses. This is in addition to the fundamental responsibilities spouses have in Islam toward their wives.
With the help of examples from Holy figures and proof, our religion has revealed to the Muslim ummah a number of topics, including the rights of husband and wife, men and women, children, and parents.
The regulations are twisted into patterns to serve the wants and needs of society rather than religion, however, due to social traditions and pressure. The institution of marriage is one of the many things that modern conventions have damaged.
Basic Islamic Husband Duties
1- Husbands Protect Their Families
Both a woman and a man are necessary for a vehicle to function, although men are endowed with more of the traits that make them effective protectors:
الرِّجَالُ قَوَّامُونَ عَلَى النِّسَاءِ بِمَا فَضَّلَ اللَّهُ بَعْضَهُمْ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ
“Men are the keepers of women, for Allah has made some of them more excellent than others….” (4:34).
In Islam, men are expected to provide for their families, including their wives and children.
Our Prophet (PBUH) taught that men are responsible for protecting the members of their families: “Men are the guardians of their families, and it is the responsibility of every guardian to guard those who fall under his own guardianship.” (Mustadrak, vol 2, p 550)
2- Love and Care for Your Wife
A man should realize that his wife is not his slave and has her own desires and rights about her life, freedom, and what she might expect from him. Therefore, it is crucial that he fulfills his wife’s needs, just as a wife must fulfill her own needs.
How a husband treats his wife, and vice versa, is the key to a happy and successful family. According to Islam, it is the man’s duty to show his wife affection. Allah blesses marital love because he recognizes the positive effects it can have on a family and because he respects the sacrifices women make.
وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِ أَنْ خَلَقَ لَكُمْ مِنْ أَنْفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَاجًا لِتَسْكُنُوا إِلَيْهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيْنَكُمْ مَوَدَّةً وَرَحْمَةً ۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ
“And one of His signs is that He created mates for you from yourselves that you may find rest in them, and He put between you love and compassion.” (30:21)
“Friends are people who go out of their way to be nice to their significant others. (Bihar al-Anwar, 103:227) Imam Sadiq (AS)”
“The more faithful a person is, the more kindness he or she shows to their partner. (Ibid., p. 228) Prophet (PBUH)”
“A man’s declaration of love for his wife should remain in her heart forever, as said by the Prophet (PBUH) (Shafi, vol. 2, p. 138)”
Even though it is forbidden in Islam for husbands to physically or verbally assault their wives, this practice persists in our society. However, simply gazing at each other with affection can bring blessings and happiness to a partnership.
3- Supporting Wife During Pregnancy
It is undeniable that some contemporary males treat pregnancy as if it were a condition no more serious than the common cold. However, this topic also holds a high value in Islam.
According to Imam as-Sadiq (AS), “the food of a fetus, is provided by the nourishment that the mother receives” (Bihar al-Anwar, vol 60, p 342), and this sustenance is provided by the husband.
Since they are about to have children, the husband and wife must work together to handle this delicate situation.
4- Raising Children With Your Wife
Children are the fruit of a happy marriage, and both men and women contribute to their development. Our culture tends to assume that mothers are solely responsible for their children, while in fact fathers have just as much of an obligation to do so.
It is not fair for the mother to be held solely responsible for getting up in the middle of the night to cater to the needs of the crying infant (if the baby needs more than just nursing).
It’s both generous and within your rights to assist your wife.
According to the Prophet (PBUH), “The best of men is one who treats his wife well, and I, among you, am the best man with regard to the good treatment of my wife” (Wasa’il al-Shi’ah, volume 114, page 122).
Both parents have the moral, human, and Islamic obligation to provide their children with a nurturing environment in which they can develop into devout Muslims and contributing members of the family.
The Prophet (PBUH) said, “The best of you is the one who is better towards his family, and I am to my family the best among all” (Volume 14, Page 122 of Wasa’il al-Shiah)
Despite the seeming obviousness of these rights, they are often disregarded in our culture, which results in many unnecessary arguments within the home.
So, these are the fundamental ways in which Muslim husbands are expected to treat their wives.
