Islam is a balanced religion and addresses all sectors; the employer as well as the employee, the oppressor as well as the oppressed and so on.

My previous article was addressed to the husbands, on how to inculcate the noble character of Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam) in the home.

This one is an attempt to balance the scale.

Hereunder are a few Hadiths that guide the wife on how to cherish her husband.

 

Get the same reward

The women of Madinah Munawwarah once enquired from Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam): ‘Our men folk have surpassed us in reward by virtue of their participation in Jihad. How can we match them?’ Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) replied ‘You could gain the rank of a Mujahid [one who strives in Allah’s way] by attending to the duties of your home.’

(Majma ‘uz Zawaid vol. 4 pg. 304)

And according to one narration: ‘…You can match them by obeying the husband and acknowledging his superiority, which very few of you will do.’

(Hayatus Sahabah vol. 1 pg. 598)

Those wives who become obstacles in their husbands responsibilities in Din, will not share in such rewards.

 

Easy Prescription for entry into paradise

‘Indeed when a woman offers her five daily salah, observes the yearly fasts of Ramadan, protects her chastity, and obeys her husband, she will be told: ‘Enter Paradise through whichever door you wish.’

(Majma ‘uz Zawaid Vol. 4 pg. 306)

 

Your husband; above you there’s nobody higher

‘Indeed a woman can only fulfill the right of Allah if she fulfills the right of her husband.’

(Majma ‘uz Zawaid Vol. 4 pg. 308)

 

Effects of the Husband’s displeasure

‘The salah or any other deed of that woman whose husband is angry with her is not accepted until he becomes pleased.’

(Sahih ibn Hibban; Al Ihsan, Hadith: 5355; Fathul Bari, Hadith: 5193)

 

Appreciate your husband

‘Allah Ta’ala will certainly not cast His glance [of mercy] towards a woman who inspite of her dependence on her husband, complains of him!’

(Majma ‘uz Zawaid Vol. 4 pg. 309)

One of the main causes for a woman’s entry in Jahannam is ‘Disappreciation to the husband’

(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 29)

 

It’s your choice 

One Hadith addresses the women with the following: ‘He [your husband] is either your Paradise [i.e. by obeying him you shall enter paradise] or your Hell.’

(Musnad Ahmad, Hadith: 18904)

 

Don’t turn him down

‘The Angels continue to invoke Allah’s wrath on that woman who refuses to ‘share the bed’ with her husband.’

(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 5193)

 

Conclusion

The two components that Allah Ta’ala has highlighted for Matrimony:

(1)   ‘Mawaddah’ = Love/Friendship

(2)   ‘Rahmah’ = Compassion/Mercy/Sympathy/Understanding.

(Surah Rum, Ayah: 21)

 

Some marriages have both, others may only have one…

Lets make it work.