Woman in Islam — Page 12
12 If the wife is persistently recalcitrant so that the peace and harmony of the household are put in peril, the husband should admonish himself. Should that prove unavailing, he may temporarily withdraw from the marital bed. In the last resort he may have recourse to light chastisement. (4:35). “Should a woman apprehend ill treatment or indifference on the part of her husband, it shall be no sin on them to seek suitable reconciliation with each other; for reconciliation is best. People are prone towards covetousness. If you are benevolent towards each other and are mindful of your duty to Allah, surely Allah is well aware of that which you do. ” (4:129). Should reconciliation through mutual consultation prove difficult, recourse should be had to counselors; as is said: “Should you apprehend a breach between husband and wife, then appoint an arbiter from among his people and an arbiter from among her people. If they desire reconciliation, Allah will bring about accord between husband and wife. Surely Allah is All Knowing, All Aware. ” (4:36) DIVORCE Should all efforts at reconciliation prove unavailing, dissolution of the marriage may alone furnish a way of relief. It should, however, be noted that Islam does not look upon divorce with favour. The Holy Prophet has said: Of that which is permitted, the most obnoxious, in the estimation of Allah, is divorce.