Islam on Marital Rights — Page 12
12. ISLAM ON MARITAL RIGHTS "It is indeed Allah's grace and bounty that He has endowed man with surpassing intellect, masterly skill and endurance for overcoming difficulties. He has been given a great fund of energy and drive. It is for this distinction that prophets, leaders and great rulers have always been men. ". The Holy Prophet (s. a. w. ) has also said that man is the master of the family and shall be answerable for the actions and behavior of all its members. . Having explained and clarified the status of husbands, the. Holy Quran proceeds to define what women owe to their husbands. . THE DUTIES OF WOMEN "So virtuous women are those who are obedient, and guard the secrets of their husbands with Allah's protection. " (4:35). . According to this verse the primary duty of a woman is that she should be virtuous and well behaved. Wife's good behavior is sine qua non for the success of a marriage. In the Arabic language the word 'Saaleh' (virtuous) means one who acts in a proper manner at a proper time. An untimely or an inappropriate act or that which is done without a purpose or is done more than what is necessary, is contrary to the sense of the Arabic word "Saaleh". . A virtuous woman is the one who endeavors to promote the solidarity of the family; who is ever vigilant about the right upbringing of her children; who manages the affairs of the house in an efficient manner and in consonance with the wishes of her husband and who behaves towards him with due grace and decency. Such a woman does indeed make the house an abode of peace and contentment. If the wife does all this with the intention of obeying the command of Allah, her every single act shall be counted as an act of worship and shall earn her reward both here and hereafter, and the reward in the life hereafter is indeed the greatest. This reward of peace and bliss she shall enjoy as a result of her goodness.