Domestic Issues and Their Solutions — Page 74
74 way against them. Surely, Allah is High, Great. ’ (4:35) That is, men are قَو ام guardian s over women because of the distinction Allah has granted some of them and for this reason, they also spend their wealth on the women (the 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, rather matters that can cause disgrace among the neighbours - which certain b ehaviours can do). They should first be advised, then separated in bed and then if need be, given physical chastisement. It is then stated that if they obey, do not find any argument or excuse against them. Certainly, Allah is High and Great! It is stated that if a woman corrects herself from such an extremely rebellious attitude then pointless excuses should not be sought to chastise her. If, devoid of righteousness such acts are committed and men consider themselves to be of sole importance with no regard for women, then they should remember that Allah the Exalted can punish them for these acts. Therefore, prescribed degrees of chastisement should be followed and when no correction can be observed, and a woman continues to have the same attitude, it is at this point that the commandment of [physical] chastisement is given. Men should not raise their hand or a stick at every trivial matter. They should not be so cruel so as to characterise a decent woman as rebellious and start