Library - Theology - Islamic

Overview Denominations Quotations

"A car cannot be driven by two people, only by one. Islam placed the steering wheel of the family in the hands of the husband. Problems within the family are dealt with in the Koranic verse regarding guardianship: 'Men are the guardians of women.' Allah says: 'As for those from whom you fear disobedience, admonish them, do not share their bed, and beat them.' The punishment is restricted to cases of rebellion, in which family life becomes a living hell. In such cases, in order to deal with the problem of a rebellious wife, there must be a remedy for such a problem. So, this progression (in punishment) has been determined: First, as soon as the husband begins to fear disobedience - before actual disobedience has even occurred - the stage of admonishment begins. If she persists in her rebelliousness, one reaches the next stage, which is refusing to share her bed as a way of making her feel that 'I am not pleased with her behaviour.' If she persists, and the husband gave her another chance, and sometimes months or even years pass by, yet she continues to be rebellious, the wisdom of Islam is manifest in the existence of a further method -- that of non-harsh beatings.": -- Dr. Mohmoud Al-Hajj, Professor of Islamic Faith, Jordanian University