Family & Domestic Life in

Islam

By: Lana Abuhamdeh

Tamara Al Jabi

Tamara Samman
 Structure of Muslim Family
It is the firm structure of Islamic family life resting on
the following four pillars that makes these values so
enduring and enables them to outlive Western
practices. They are based on Qur'anic regulations and
the traditions from the life of the Prophet Muhammad
(peace be upon him), handed down from generation
to generation.
 More on Family
1. Family life as a cradle of human society providing a secure, healthy and
encouraging home for parents and the growing children.
2. Family life as guardian of the natural erotic desires of men and women,
leading this powerful urge into wholesome channels.
3. Family life as the very breeding-place for human virtues like love, kindness,
mercy.
4. Family life as the most secure refuge against inward and outward troubles.
An ever valid and never outgrowing aspect of Islamic family life is, however,
that the strength of all the four pillars is made up by the system. And it
must not be forgotten, that the benefits of family life are extended not only
to blood relations but encompass also the world-wide family of Muslims,
the Islamic brotherhood.
 Family, Continued
Islam considers the role of family as the unit of
society. The Muslim family is the miniature of
the whole Muslim society. The Muslim
marriage is a contract in which both wife and
husband have rights and duties. It is the
husband’s duty to support his family
completely, even if his wife is rich and
economically independent. The wife has not to
worry about earning a living.
 Marriage in Islam
In the Qur'an, the marriage relationship is
described as one with "tranquility," "love" and
"mercy."   Elsewhere in the Qur'an, husband
and wife are described as "garments" for each
other (2:187).  Garments offer protection,
comfort, modesty, and warmth.  Above all, the
Qur'an describes that the best garment is the
"garment of God-consciousness" (7:26).
 Marriage, continued
Muslims view marriage as the foundation of
society and family life.  In a practical aspect,
Islamic marriage is thus structured through
legally-enforceable rights and duties of both
parties.  In an atmosphere of love and respect,
these rights and duties provide a framework
for the balance of family life and the
fulfillment of both partners.
 Domestic Violence
Islam condemns domestic violence. Once a number of women
came to the prophet, on whom be peace, to complain that their
husbands had beaten them. The prophet announced that men
who beat their wives are not good men. The prophet also said,
"Do not beat the female servants of Allah." Allah knows that
life is not always a bowl of cherries. And so He stipulates that
a man must be kind to his wife even if he happens to dislike
her (Qur'an 4-19). Allah offers a good reason as to why men
should not dislike their wives. Allah says that He has placed
much good in women (Qur'an 4:19).
 Domestic Violence, continued
In this regard the prophet Muhammad, on whom be peace, said
that no believing man should hold a grudge against a believing
woman. So what is a husband to do if he dislikes some things
about his wife? This is bound to occur, since no human being
is perfect. The prophet instructed that men should look for the
agreeable traits in their wives rather than focus on their faults.
(See Saheeh Muslim, chapter on advice relating to women).
The prophet also advised men that if they wish to benefit from
marriage they should accept their wives as they are rather than
try to straighten them out and thus end up in divorce.
 The way a wife should be treated
The prophet equated perfect belief with good treatment to one's
wife when he said: "The most perfect believer is one who is
the best in courtesy and amiable manners, and the best among
you people is one who is most kind and courteous to his
wives" (see Tirmidhi, chapter on the obligations of a man to
his wife). Finally, the prophet, the best example of conduct
said: "The best among you is the one who treats his family
best."
Some of the last words of the prophet delivered during the
farewell pilgrimage enjoins that men should hold themselves
accountable before Allah concerning the question of how they
treat their wives. Therefore his advice to all men, is as follows:
"You must treat them with all kindness."
 Thank You 

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Remember: Be Good to Your Wife,
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