In Islam, the rights of the husband over his wife are designed to foster a balanced and harmonious marital relationship. These rights are based on the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah and are intended to create a framework of mutual respect, cooperation, and love.

Here are the key rights of the husband in Islam:

1. Respect and Obedience

A wife is expected to respect her husband as the head of the household and cooperate with him in managing family affairs. Nurturing the spirituality and wellbeing of the children are the wives primary responsibility when the husband and wife have a family while maintaining a healthy relationship of the husband. Obedience is required in matters that align with Islamic principles and do not involve sin or injustice.

• Avoiding actions that could disrespect the husband such as using foul language, curse words, hitting him, refusing him, and other forms of abuse.
• Continuing to think of how she can help him feel their home is a sanctuary and safe space for him to return home to.

Allah says:

“The righteous women are devoutly obedient and guard in [the husband’s] absence what Allah would have them guard…” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:34).

2. Fulfilling Marital Needs

The wife is expected to fulfill her husband’s physical and emotional needs in a halal (permissible) manner. In Islam, when a man and woman enter into marriage, they do so to become vehicles toward Jannah, protection from Jahanam and sources of blessings for one another. Sexual relationships is incumbent to each other in a mutually satisfying manner. In addition, as the husband is responsible for completely caring for the wife’s housing, clothing, and food and she is relieved of this stress, Allah swt has made encumbent upon her to be a source of comfort and coolness for the husband as well.

Sometimes husbands and wives withhold love, comfort, and sexual satisfaction from one another in order to punish, hurt the other, or manipulate. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“When a man calls his wife to his bed, and she does not come, and he spends the night angry, the angels curse her until morning.” (Bukhari and Muslim).

This highlights the importance of mutual consent and fulfilling marital duties while maintaining love and respect.

3. Preservation of Honor and Property

The wife must safeguard her husband’s honor, reputation, and property in his absence. This includes:

• Avoiding actions that could harm his reputation such as talking about him behind his back to her friends, colleagues, or family. Seeking arbitration for marital harmony is not a breach of this obligation.
• Protecting his wealth and belongings by not spending on useless things.
• Maintaining modesty and chastity by observing hijab as prescribed in Shariah.

The Quran states:

“…They [wives] are garments for you, and you are garments for them…” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:187).

4. Care and Support in the Household

A wife is encouraged, but NOT obligated to contribute to the well-being of the household, which may include managing domestic duties, nurturing children, and creating a supportive environment. While this is not an obligation in Islamic jurisprudence, it is a sign of mutual cooperation and love. Giving more than the minimum requirement encourages love, compassion, and health in the marriage.

5. Seeking Permission for Certain Activities

A wife is expected to seek her husband’s permission before:

• Leaving the home for non-essential purposes.
• Hosting guests or allowing non-mahram men into the home.
• Good communication and cooperation are to ensure harmony and mutual understanding in the household. It is a respectful gesture to mutually coordinate and consult one another.

6. Raising Children in Islam

A wife has a responsibility to support her husband in raising their children according to Islamic principles. This includes nurturing their faith, teaching them moral values, and being a role model.

7. Honoring His Family

A wife is encouraged to show kindness and respect to her husband’s family, fostering good relations and unity. This does not mean neglecting her own family but creating a balance that promotes harmony. She cannot be forced to live in the same home as the husband’s family because this is a breach of her privacy and independence. The minimum requirement for her home is a structure like an apartment in a home or external or any other place so long as the structure is safe from anyone coming inside, has proper cooking facilities, her own bathroom, and no one else is permitted inside without her permission. This is a shari obligation. At the same time, she should strive to be kind and respectful to his family.

8. Patience and Gratitude

A wife is encouraged to show patience during difficulties and be grateful for her husband’s efforts and provisions. Every human has their deficiencies and being patient through rough patches should be a priority. It does not mean she should tolerate abuse, but at the same time, good, kind communication with compassion and empathy should be the goal. The husband has a lot of obligations and is responsible financially for her, the children, his parents, and unmarried sisters at times. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“Allah does not look at a woman who is ungrateful to her husband while she cannot do without him.” (Nasa’i).

9. Supporting His Leadership

A wife is expected to support her husband in fulfilling his role as the leader of the family. This includes respecting his decisions, provided they are just and in accordance with Islamic teachings.

10. Protecting Intimacy and Privacy

A wife must respect the sanctity of their marital relationship by keeping private matters confidential. Neither should discuss their marital relations with others. Marriage counseling for the sake of rectifying matters does not fall into this ruling. Arbitration is a part of Islam in order to restore relationships.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“The most evil of people in the sight of Allah on the Day of Judgment is the man who has intercourse with his wife, and she with him, and then he spreads her secrets.” (Muslim).

Summary

The husband’s rights in Islam emphasize respect, cooperation, and support. These rights are complemented by the wife’s rights, creating a system of mutual responsibilities. Both spouses are accountable to Allah and should strive to fulfill their roles with kindness, love, and fairness.