Patience and Kind Treatment Towards Spouses
Islamic religion views the family as the fortress of society and spirituality. Patience and tolerance shown by spouses towards each other within the family carries a great reward of worship. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever is patient with his wife’s bad traits, Allah Most High will grant him the reward given to Prophet Job,” thus revealing the spiritual value of enduring difficulties in marriage. A man should not be rude or harsh towards his wife but should treat her with generosity (humanity) and compassion. However, when the boundaries of religion and morality are crossed or an evil deed (münker) is seen, he must set aside gentleness and show authority to protect divine limits.
Moderation in Jealousy and Not Investigating Secrets
Trust is essential in marriage. Spouses should protect each other’s honor and be moderate in jealousy (effort). Groundless suspicions, stubbornness, and constantly investigating one’s spouse’s secrets can turn a home into a prison, which is not consistent with Islamic morality. Indeed, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade spouses from investigating each other’s private sides, faults, and flaws. Avoiding suspicious approaches that will torment each other and break their hearts is a fundamental condition for family harmony.
Provision of Needs and Halal Sustenance
Providing for the family’s sustenance is obligatory upon men within the Islamic framework. A husband is obligated to feed his family with halal (lawful) sustenance, and being stingy in this regard is as wrong as indulging in luxury and extravagance. The verse “Eat and drink, but do not waste” (Al-A’raf, 31) determines the family’s consumption measure. The woman should protect her husband’s wealth, not betray him, and should not pursue extravagance and ostentation. Both sides must remember that their main goal in improving this worldly home is to raise righteous generations who will attain Allah’s pleasure.