O, husbands! Never be emotionally, mentally, or physically cruel to your wives. The Prophet (ﷺ) never mistreated his wives. He (ﷺ) was also known to help his wives at the house. Our mother, A’ishah (RadiyaLlahu ‘Anha) was asked, as recorded in Sahih Al-Bukhari: “What did the Prophet (ﷺ) use to do in his house?” She replied, “He used to keep himself busy serving his family (كَانَ يَكُونُ فِي مِهْنَةِ أَهْلِهِ) and when it was the time for prayer he would go for it.”
How well do you emulate the Prophet (ﷺ) in that? Remember Allah says (in Surah Al-Ahzab [33] verse 21): “Indeed in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example to follow for him who hopes in Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much.” Helping one’s wife sometimes with household chores such as washing the dishes, cleaning, cooking, or bringing up the kids is today a neglected Sunnah. Any man that sees it as not proper for him or is too arrogant to help his wife around the house is acting against the Sunnah.
Although Islam made husbands the head of the family, Muslims aren’t supposed to be tyrants. It’s so sad today that some husbands are nothing but a soldier in their homes. They treat their wives like rivals rather than companions. They’re the boss, and whatever they say goes. While the wives are treated like maids or even slaves. Quite bad! Ibn Abbas (RadiyaLlahu ‘Anhuma) reported, as recorded in Al-Mustadrak ‘ala as-Sahihayn that: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “The best of you are those who are best to women.” So, ask yourself are you among the best of men?
The wives are to be treated with love, care and affection. As recorded in Sahih Al-Bukhari, the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “He who does not show mercy, will not be shown mercy.” Husbands! Be merciful to your wives. I beseech Allah to grant our men all that it takes to be loving, caring and merciful. (Aameen)
