Misconceptns about Wife Beating in Islaam

How does anyone of u beat his wife as he beats the stallion camel nd then embrace (sleep with) her?”...Think Common Sense now Peoples.. Considering the rates of domestic violence all ovr the world, this question, which was asked by the Prophet Muhammad more than 1400 years ago.. is applicable today to all people of all faiths nd cultures....

Despite the universality of domestic violence, Muslim men involved in wife-abuse have attracted more attention than others. Horrific stories of husbands beating ther wives while claiming that the Qur’an gives them the right to do so are highlighted in the media... At the same time, Muslims assert that Islam honors nd respects women, giving them rights that promote nd preserve their human dignity.

The crux of the matter lies in the need for the distinction between Islam and the behavior of some Muslims. Each and every Muslim has rather unfairly been caste as a representative of his or her faith, nd his or her behavior is immediately a reflection of Islam, not of the Muslim as a human individual.

This special file aims at clarifying the position Islam takes regarding wife-beating. Altho the material presentd, which is compiled frm various readng material dn studies concentrates on the very specific issue of wife-beating, it is essential to point out that Islam has extensively elaborated on the rights of women at all times nd in totality nd equality..


In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.


All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger


"According to the Qur'an the relationship between the husband and wife should be based on mutual love and kindness. Allah says: "And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect." (Ar-Rum: 21)

The Qur'an urges husbands to treat their wives with kindness. [In the event of a family dispute, the Qur'an exhorts the husband to treat his wife kindly and not to overlook her positive aspects]. Allah Almighty says: “Live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If ye take a dislike to them it may be that ye dislike a thing, and Allah brings about through it a great deal of good.” (An-Nisa’: 19)

It is important that a wife recognizes the authority of her husband in the house. He is the head of the household, nd she is supposed to listen to him. But the husband shuld also use his authority wit respect nd kindness towards his wife... If ther arises any disagreement or dispute among them, then it shuld be resolved in a peaceful manner... Spouses shuld seek the counsel of ther elders nd othr respectable family membrs nd friends to batch up the rift nd solve the differences...

Howevr, in some cases a husband may use some ""light disciplinary action"" in ordr to correct the moral infraction of his wife.. BUT this is Only Applicable in EXTREME CASES nd it shuld be resorted to if one is sure it wuld improve the situatin. Howevr, if ther is a fear that it might worsen ..the relationship or may wreak havoc on him or the family, then HE shuld AVOID it Completely.

The Qur'an is Very Clear on this issue... Almighty Allah says: "Men are the protectors nd maintainers of women, because Allah(s.w.t) has given the one more strength than the othr,nd because they support them from ther means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient nd guard in the husband's absence what Allah wuld have them to guard... As to those women on whos part u fear disloyalty nd ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (next), refuse to share their beds, (and last) beat them (lightly) but if they return to obedience, seek not against them means (of annoyance); for Allah is most High nd Great (above u all)... If u fear a breach between them twain, appoint (TWO) arbiters, one frm his family nd the othr frm hers... If they wish for peace, Allah will cause their reconciliation; for Allah has full knowledge nd is acquainted with all things." (An-Nisa': 34-35)

It is important to READ the section Fully. One shuld not take part of the verse nd use it to justify one's own misconduct. This verse neithr permits violence nor condones it... It guides us to ways to handle delicate family situation wit care nd wisdom. The word "beating" is used in the verse, but it does not mean "physical abuse". The Prophet (s.a.w)) explained it """Dharban Ghayra Mubarrih""" which means "a light tap that leaves no mark". He furthr said that face must be avoided. Some othr scholars are of the view that it is no more than a light touch by siwak, or toothbrush... like a lite touch..that wat it all means if anyone wantd to fully learn of this..

Generally, the Prophet (s.a.w) used to discourage his followers from taking even this measure... He nevr hit any female...nd he used to say ""That the Best of Men are those who DO NOT hit their wives""... In one hadith he expressed his extreme repulsion frm this behavior nd said, "How does anyone of you beat his wife as he beats the stallion camel and then embrace (sleep with) her?” (Al-Bukhari, English Translation, vol. 8, Hadith 68, pp. 42-43)

It is also important to note that even this "light strike" mentioned in the verse is not to be used to correct some minor problm... but it is permissible to resort to only in a situation of som serious Moral Misconduct wen admonishing the wife fails, nd avoiding from sleeping wit her wuld not help. If this disciplinary action can correct a situation nd save the marriage, then one should use it in the way of THE SUNNAH