In Islam when a woman is daughter, she opens a door of Jannah for her father, when she is a wife; she completes half of the Deen for her husband and when she is a mother, Jannah lies under her feet. The Quran indicates that marriage is an equal partnership involving the man and the woman. Besides perpetuating human life, marriage is stressed for our emotional well being, to provide us with a loving and stable relationship and to foster mental and spiritual harmony between the sexes. The beautiful components of a successful marriage are described in the Quran. Allah says: “And among His signs is this, that He created mates for you from yourselves that you may find rest, peace of mind in them, and He ordained between you love and mercy. In this indeed are signs for people who reflect: (Quran 30:21) Islam highlights a woman’s distinct personality and, upon entering marriage, she is entitled to retain her maiden name; this is symbolic of her unique identity. Women also have the right to choose their marriage partner and cannot marry without her free consent. Ibn Abbas reported that a girl came to the Prophet (SAW) and she said that her father had forced her to marry without her consent. The Prophet (SAW) gave her the legitimate choice of either accepting the marriage or annulling it. (Ibn Hanbal). It is recorded that the girl said: “Actually I accept this marriage but I wanted to let women know that parents have no right (to force a husband on them).” (lbn Majah) A wife is generously taken care of, in Islam. Together with all the required provisions for her welfare and protection at the time of marriage, Islam additionally gives the woman the right to a Mahr (a marriage gift). This is a gift from the husband symbolizing his love and affection (and included as standard in the nuptial contract). This ownership of wealth does not transfer to the wife’s in-laws, father or husband but is entirely at the disposal of the woman. The rules for married life in Islam are simple and in harmony with the natural dispositions of both the sexes. There is no competition but compatibility and complimentarily between the husband and wife, each taking the other partners concerns and sentiments into account and both recognizing the rights of the other: “If they (husband and wife) desire to wean the child by mutual consent and (after) consultation, there is no blame on them..” (Quran) “And they (women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them in kindness and men are a degree above them.” (Quran) The latter verse is oft-repeated but often misunderstood also!
A wife is generously taken care of, in Islam. Together with all the required provisions for her welfare and protection at the time of marriage, Islam additionally gives the woman the right to a Mahr (a marriage gift). This is a gift from the husband symbolizing his love and affection (and included as standard in the nuptial contract). This ownership of wealth does not transfer to the wife’s in-laws, father or husband but is entirely at the disposal of the woman.
The degree mentioned, refers exclusively to males pertaining to economic maintenance and protection for the wife. The natural difference between the sexes is acknowledged in Islam and the physically stronger sex is given a greater degree or responsibility concerning economic maintenance and protection, and overall leadership of the family. But certainly, this responsibility does not imply superiority over the woman – this would go completely against the spirit of justice and equality in Islam. Allah explains: “Men are the protectors and maintainers of women because Allah has given the one more strength than the other and because they support them from their means…” (Quran) Allah says: “… But consort with them in kindness, for if you hate them it may happen that you hate a thing wherein Allah has placed much good.” (Quran) And the Prophet (SAW) said: “The best of you is the best to his family and I am the best among you to my family.” He also said “The most perfect believers are the best in conduct and the best of you are those who are best to their wives.” (lbn Hanbal) And the Prophet (SAW) said: “The best of you is the best to his family and I am the best among you to my family.”
