The Essence of Islam – Volume III — Page 312
312. Essence of Islam-III. Study his life and see how he conducted himself in relation to women. In my esteem, a man who stands up against a woman is a coward and not a man. If you study the life of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) you will find that he was so gracious that, despite his station of dignity, he would stop even for an old woman and would not move on until she permitted him to do so. [Malfūzāt, vol. 4, p. 44]. Do not ever consider women to be contemptible and insignificant!! Our perfect guide, the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has said: خَيْرُكُمْ خَيْرُكُمْ لِاهْلِهِ 'The best among you is he who is best towards his wife. ". How can one claim to be pious when he does not behave well towards his wife. . . . It is unacceptable to get furious or hit one's wife on the slightest pretence. There have been instances where an enraged husband hit his wife over some slight matter. . . and mortally wounded her. . This is why God Almighty has said concerning them: وَعَاشِرُوهُنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ 222. There is no doubt that admonition is necessary if a woman behaves improperly. A husband ought to impress upon his wife that he will not tolerate anything which is contrary to the faith, and yet he is not a tyrant who will not overlook any mistake on her part. . For a woman, her husband is a manifestation of the Divine. According to a Ḥadīth, had God been pleased to en222 Ibid.