The Essence of Islam – Volume III — Page 313
Women 313 join prostration before anyone but Himself, He would have enjoined upon a woman to prostrate herself before her husband. Hence a man should be both hard and soft suiting the occasion. [Malfūzāt, vol. 3, p. 147]. With the exception of indecency, all weaknesses and petulant behaviour peculiar to women should be tolerated. I find it shameful that a man should fight a woman. . God has made us men, which is the consummation of His grace upon us, and we should express our gratitude for this great bounty by treating women with kindness and compassion. [Malfūzāt, vol. 1, p. 307]. As for me, I once addressed my wife in a loud voice and. I felt that my tone was indicative of displeasure though I had uttered no harsh words. Yet thereafter I sought forgiveness from God for a long time and offered supererogatory prayers with great humility and also gave alms because I felt that my harshness towards my wife might have been occasioned by some unconscious weakness in my obedience to God Almighty. [Malfūzāt, vol. 2, p. 2] [Divine revelation to the Promised Messiahas] 'Such behaviour is not appropriate; 'Abdul Karim, the leader of Muslims, should be dissuaded from it. ' [Promised Messiah's footnote about the above revelation]: . . . This revelation contains guidance for the whole. Jama'at, that they should treat their wives with kindness and courtesy. Your wives are not your slaves. In point of fact, marriage is a covenant between man and woman. . Try therefore not to break this covenant. God Almighty