DWQA QuestionsRights in Islam: Husband, Wife, and Mother
Dr. Asiya Staff asked 2 months ago
Ma'am! Is it correct that the husband has the greatest obligation/right towards his mother, and the wife has the greatest obligation/right towards her husband? A scholar mentioned that this is not the case."
1 Answers
Dr. Asiya Staff answered 2 months ago

Okay, I tried to search for the relevant Hadith, I remember reading it but I couldn\'t find it. You shouldn\'t interpret this issue as though when the husband comes, everything else in the world ends, or when the mother comes, everything else ends. The matter will become clear to you as I have detailed below.
The Complete and Balanced Picture:
Islam has provided a balanced understanding of rights:
In Worship: The greatest right belongs only to Allah. Obedience to anyone is not permissible if it involves disobedience to Allah.
In Kindness and Good Conduct: The greatest right belongs to the mother (then the father).
In the Marital Contract and Managing the Home: The greatest right upon the wife belongs to her husband (provided he commands only what is permissible in Sharia).
The Husband\'s Obligations to the Wife: The wife has the right to her Mahr (dowry), Nafaqah (maintenance/household expenses), housing, and respect and honor from her husband.

Summary:
Both statements are correct, but they operate within their own respective spheres. It is essential for a Muslim to maintain balance among all these rights and not allow one right to override another in a way that deprives the other party. The husband should treat his wife with gentleness and justice, and the wife should consider her lawful obedience to her husband in household matters as a means to her success.\"