Woman in Islam — Page 11
11 Prohibitions to marriage are clearly set out, and this is followed by: “Lawful for you are those outside these categories, that you seek them in marriage, by means of your properties, safeguarding yourselves against fornication. For the benefit that you receive from them pay them their dowers as fixed, and there will be no sin upon you in respect of anything that you may agree upon mutually after the fixing of the dower. Surely, Allah is All Knowing, Wise. ” (4:25). Husbands and wives have reciprocal obligations towards each other, but as man is the breadwinner and has the responsibility of providing for wife and family, in case of a difference in the matter of running the household he has the final word, lest things should get out of hand and the family should be faced with ruin: “Wives have rights corresponding to those which husbands have, in equitable reciprocity, though, in certain situations, men would have the final word and thus enjoy a preference. Allah is Mighty, Wise. ” (2:229). On account of the physical weakness and delicacy of women and their vulnerability, men are appointed guardians over women: “Men are appointed guardians over women, because of that in respect of which Allah has made some of them excel others, and because the men spend of their wealth. So virtuous women are obedient and safeguard, with Allah’s help, matters the knowledge of which is shared by them with their husbands. ” (4:35)