A wife has many rights over her husband. God Almighty said: “And they (wives) have rights similar to those (of their husbands) over them in kindness, and men have a degree (of responsibility) over them.” [Quran 2:228]
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Indeed, you have rights over your women, and your women have rights over you.” Narrated by Tirmidhi who authenticated it.
A man from the companions asked: “O Messenger of Allah, what are the rights of one’s wife over him?” He replied: “That you feed her when you eat, clothe her when you clothe yourself, do not strike her face, do not insult her, and do not boycott her except within the house.” Narrated by Abu Dawud and others.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Those who are just will be on platforms of light on the right side of the Most Merciful (and both His hands are right). They are those who are just in their rulings, with their families, and in what they are entrusted with.” Narrated by Muslim.
Ibn Abbas said: “I like to adorn myself for my wife just as I like her to adorn herself for me.”
Among the rights of the wife:
- Good companionship. God Almighty said: “And live with them in kindness.” [Quran 4:19]
- Teaching the woman what she needs to know about religious matters, especially obligations.
- Commanding her to do good and forbidding her from evil. God Almighty said: “And enjoin prayer upon your family and be steadfast therein.” [Quran 20:132], and “O you who believe! Protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones.” [Quran 66:6]
- Moderation in jealousy.
- The dowry. God Almighty said: “And give the women their dowries graciously. But if they give up willingly to you anything of it, then take it in satisfaction and ease.” [Quran 4:4]
- Financial support. God Almighty said: “Upon the father is the mothers’ provision and their clothing according to what is acceptable. No person is charged with more than his capacity.” [Quran 2:233] The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “It is sufficient sin for a person to neglect those whom he is responsible for supporting.” Agreed upon.
- Justice in division between multiple wives. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever has two wives and does not treat them equally will come on the Day of Resurrection with one side drooping or leaning.” Narrated by Ahmad and others.
- Refraining from harming her and being considerate of her feelings. The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to serve his family himself. “He would repair his sandals, mend his clothes, and sweep the house…” Agreed upon.
- Not disclosing her secrets or mentioning her flaws. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Among the worst people in position before Allah on the Day of Resurrection is a man who is intimate with his wife and she with him, then he spreads her secret.” Narrated by Muslim.
- Allowing her to visit her family, relatives, and neighbors.
- Protecting his wife and preventing her from mixing with immoral or suspicious women, and not allowing her to purchase indecent magazines or inappropriate films.
- The husband should not stay out late at night. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Your family has rights over you.” Narrated by Bukhari.
- Not coveting the employed wife’s salary or the wealth she inherited, by pressuring her and making her life difficult until she gives up her salary or part of it, or some of her wealth while she is reluctant and not willingly giving it.
