Islam on Marital Rights — Page 22
22. ISLAM ON MARITAL RIGHTS courteous towards her, but even against his will, should treat her with consideration and if he will do so, Allah will change his hatred into affection, and will make their marriage a success. . It happens sometimes that the husband disapproves some of the manners of his wife or he finds little physical attraction in her. In that event if he acts with a little restraint and forbearance it is quite possible he may find that Allah had kept some great good hidden in store for him in her person, which was out of his sight before. . HOLY PROPHET'S ADVICE. The Holy Prophet's (s. a. w. ) advice on this point is an excellent interpretation of this injunction. He said, "The best among you is he who is the best in his treatment of his wife. " On the occasion of his last pilgrimage to Mecca, he made the following bequest in respect of women. "Be kind to women. " And added. "women are under your control like prisoners. It is your duty to take very good care of them and provide for all their necessities and treat them with kindness and courtesy. ". On another occasion the Holy Prophet (s. a. w. ) thus warned his followers, "Beware of the two weak ones women and orphans. Discharge your duties to them well. Be kind to them and do not ill-treat them. ". The Holy Prophet (s. a. w. ) also said: "The most perfect in faith amongst you is he who is the most courteous, and the best among you is he who is best in the treatment of his wife, the more a man is good to his wife the greater shall be his value before Allah. ". The husband should therefore be very considerate and kind to his wife. He should always be anxious for her welfare and be cheerful while he is in her company. It should not be that he enters the house wearing an angry look and be a terror for everybody inside. . THE IDEAL HUSBAND. The Holy Prophet (s. a. w. ), as is true of every aspect of his illustrious life, is incomparable in his treatment of his wives. He said, "I am the best among you in my treatment towards my wives. " It is impossible to find his equal in the matter of kindness