🏡 Rights & responsibilities · #292

Can a husband order anything in the name of leadership, and must his wife obey?

Obedience to the husband is limited to what is good; there is no obedience in matters of sin. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Obedience is only in what is right (ma'ruf)” (Sahih al-Bukhari 7257). A husband may not order his wife to abandon religious obligations, cut family ties, or do something forbidden or harmful. Proper leadership invites to good, not forces into evil. If an instruction conflicts with religion, the wife declines respectfully, and the husband should accept that correction. A wise leader only demands what he himself would be content to answer for before Allah. If harmful coercion occurs, seek advice from qualified parties. See rights of husband and wife.

Sources

Sahih al-Bukhari 7257

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This answer is general reference, not a fatwa. For your situation, consult the religious affairs office, a Syarie lawyer or your state Syariah Court.

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