Domestic Issues and Their Solutions — Page 74
74 way against <mark>the</mark>m. Surely, Allah is High, Great. ’ (4:35) That is, men are قَو ام guardian s over women because of <mark>the</mark> distinction Allah has granted some of <mark>the</mark>m and for this reason, <mark>the</mark>y also spend <mark>the</mark>ir wealth on <mark>the</mark> women (<mark>the</mark> indolent who stay at home do not become guardians by default). Thus, pious women are obedient and saf eguard those matters even in private which Allah has enjoined to safeguard. And women from whom rebelliousness is feared should first be advised (this does not include indecency, ra<mark>the</mark>r matters that can cause disgrace among <mark>the</mark> neighbours - which certain b ehaviours can do). <mark>The</mark>y should first be advised, <mark>the</mark>n separated in bed and <mark>the</mark>n if need be, given physical chastisement. It is <mark>the</mark>n stated that if <mark>the</mark>y obey, do not find any argument or excuse against <mark>the</mark>m. Certainly, Allah is High and Great! It is stated that if a woman corrects herself from such an extremely rebellious attitude <mark>the</mark>n pointless excuses should not be sought to chastise her. If, devoid of righteousness such acts are committed and men consider <mark>the</mark>mselves to be of sole importance with no regard for women, <mark>the</mark>n <mark>the</mark>y should remember that Allah <mark>the</mark> Exalted can punish <mark>the</mark>m for <mark>the</mark>se acts. <mark>The</mark>refore, prescribed degrees of chastisement should be followed and when no correction can be observed, and a woman continues to have <mark>the</mark> same attitude, it is at this point that <mark>the</mark> commandment of [physical] chastisement is given. Men should not raise <mark>the</mark>ir hand or a stick at every trivial matter. <mark>The</mark>y should not be so cruel so as to characterise a decent woman as rebellious and start