In the blessed religion of Islam, family is an institution of utmost significance. It stresses on a peaceful and loving environment in the family. The individuals who influence the environment of and bonding among the family most are the husband and wife. Therefore, Allah Subhana wa Ta’ala commands the pair to treat each other with respect and give each other their due rights.
Women are more often suppressed in the world and people around the world have a perception of Islam that Muslim women are supposed to be suppressed. Which is not true. Some of the rights that women have on their husbands are:
Mahr:
Women, at the time of marriage, are entitled to receive a certain amount of money from their husbands. It is set at the time or before the marriage contract and can be given either at the time of marriage or sometime later. Allah says in Qur’an:
“And give to the women (whom you marry) their Mahr (obligatory bridal-money given by the husband to his wife at the time of marriage) with a good heart” [al-Nisaa’ 4:4]
Financial Support:
It is the responsibility of the husband to bear the expenses of the wife’s food, clothing, and other necessities. Providing a livable home for her is also her right. Even if the wife is wealthy, the man should spend on her necessities in as good a way as he can.
Following verses from Qur’an back this statement:
“But the father of the child shall bear the cost of the mother’s food and clothing on a reasonable basis” [al-Baqarah 2:233]
“Let the rich man spend according to his means; and the man whose resources are restricted, let him spend according to what Allah has given him” [al-Talaaq 65:7]
Kind and Loving Treatment:
A wife is a homemaker. It is her right to be treated with love and care. One must not be harsh or abusive towards her. Allah’s Messenger (P.B.U.H) said:
“The most complete of the believers in faith are those with the most excellent character, and the best of you are the best in behavior to their women.” [At-Tirmidhi]
Look for her good qualities:
No one is perfect. A woman may have qualities that her husband dislikes. The man should try to ignore her faults and look for the positive traits of her personality. Prophet of Allah (P.B.U.H) said:
“A believer must not hate a believing woman (i.e., his wife); if he dislikes one of her traits he will be pleased with another.” [Muslim]
Express your love:
It is common for men to love their wives but not expressing it. Expressions of love strengthen the bonding. Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) would openly express his love for his wives.
Once Prophet (P.B.U.H) was asked “O Messenger of Allah, which of the people is most beloved to you?”
He answered: “Aisha.”
He was asked, “And among men?”
He said: “Her father.” [Ibn Majah]
Have a fun relationship with her:
Do not let your life get boring. It is advisable for a man to keep the marital life fun and lively. The woman, who makes his home and takes care of his children, deserves to have a fun relationship with her husband. Aisha (R.A) reported:
It was the day of `Eid and some Ethiopians were playing with shields and spears. Either I requested Allah’s Messenger or he himself asked me whether I would like to see the display. I replied in the affirmative. Then he let me stand behind him; my cheek was touching his cheek and he was saying, “Carry on, O Bani Arfida (i.e., Ethiopians)!” When I got tired, he asked me if that was enough. I replied in the affirmative and he told me to leave. [Al-Bukhari]