Obligation to Obey a Strict and Abusive Husband in Islam

Navigating a Difficult Marriage: Understanding the Wife’s Obligations

Question: My husband is very strict; he uses abusive language and also beats me. He takes care of the household expenses but does not give me any pocket money, although he spends on the children. Is it obligatory to obey such a husband if he forbids his wife from performing `Umrah` with her brothers or visiting her parents’ graves? In such a situation, is it necessary to obey the husband, or can the wife perform `Umrah` or visit the cemetery without his permission?

Answer: The sister should thank Allah Almighty that at least her husband provides for her, as many husbands do not fulfill this duty and are very oppressive. Alhamdulillah, her situation is better than many oppressed sisters. As for the husband’s strictness, abusive language, and physical abuse, the wife should try to understand what makes her husband angry and avoid those things.

Obeying the husband is obligatory for the wife, and she should not leave the house without his permission because he is responsible for her. This is where the door to oppression opens for the wife when she wants to leave the house at her own will or live her life against her husband’s wishes. When a woman understands that she has to live with her husband’s happiness, love for the wife awakens in the husband’s heart, and it should be understood that Allah has placed a special quality in women that can win anyone’s heart.

 Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi (May Allah preserve him)

❪Jeddah Dawah Center, Hayy Al-Salamah – Saudi Arabia❫