Understanding Islam — Page 152
ARE WOMEN VIOLENTLY OPPRESSED IN ISLAM? 150 is your right on them that they do not let anyone on your bed whom you dislike. If they do this, you are permitted to chastise them, but this chastisement should not be harsh (or physically harmful: ghaira mubarra ḥ in). Their right on you is that you provide them their food, and appropriate clothing. 26 In this narration, Prophet Muhammad sa is being clear that the chastisement is allowed only in the extreme case where the wife is guilty of infidelity, and this permission is there only to save the marriage. Even so, the man is told that he should exercise this with extreme caution and ensure that he does not physically abuse his wife. The fact is that Prophet Muhammad sa himself acted upon these teachings and even on such occasions when his wives became displeased with him or argued with him, he showed much patience and never ever resorted to “beating” them or even lightly chastising them in his entire life time. This verse of the Holy Quran under discussion, when read in light of Prophet Muhammad’s sa own words and precept, is not providing license to men to hit and beat their wives. This verse is, in fact,