🕊️ Conflict & resolution · #63
My spouse has suddenly become very strict in religion and is forcing their views on the whole household. How should this be handled?
Appreciate their zeal for religion, but make clear that Islam teaches gentleness and no compulsion; discuss obligatory matters and matters of scholarly difference separately.
Allah says He wants ease, not hardship (al-Baqarah 2:185), and the Prophet ﷺ advised: make things easy, do not make them difficult (Sahih al-Bukhari 6125); he also corrected a Companion who overdid worship to the point of neglecting his family's rights (Sahih al-Bukhari 1975). Work out: is what is being forced an obligation, or one view on a disputed issue; is it delivered with wisdom or with contempt; is it isolating the family from relatives and society? Learn together from recognised teachers approved by the religious authorities. If there are signs of extreme views that justify hatred or violence, seek advice from the religious office. See Schools of law.
Allah says He wants ease, not hardship (al-Baqarah 2:185), and the Prophet ﷺ advised: make things easy, do not make them difficult (Sahih al-Bukhari 6125); he also corrected a Companion who overdid worship to the point of neglecting his family's rights (Sahih al-Bukhari 1975). Work out: is what is being forced an obligation, or one view on a disputed issue; is it delivered with wisdom or with contempt; is it isolating the family from relatives and society? Learn together from recognised teachers approved by the religious authorities. If there are signs of extreme views that justify hatred or violence, seek advice from the religious office. See Schools of law.
Sources
Surah al-Baqarah 2:185Sahih al-Bukhari 6125Sahih al-Bukhari 1975