Wife's rights and duties

Q 4: What are the Islamic guidelines I should follow to fulfill the rights of my husband and my household? What is lawful and unlawful with regard to the rights of spouses? Things have become obscure to many people, so that they make things permissible or impermissible (Part No. 19; Page No. 215) without knowledge. My brothers have some religious knowledge and are practicing Muslims, but I feel shy to ask them about anything of this nature.

A: It is your duty to maintain good relations with your husband, treat him in a kind and reasonable manner and perform the tasks that wives typically do for their husbands. Allah (Exalted be He) says: And they (women) have rights (over their husbands as regards living expenses) similar (to those of their husbands) over them (as regards obedience and respect) according to what is reasonable, but men have a degree (of responsibility) over them. Further, you should cooperate with him on righteousness and piety as much as you can. It will benefit you to read biographies of the female Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet) and how they used to serve their husbands. This will be of great help to you, in sha’a-Allah (if Allah wills). May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet, his family, and Companions.