🕊️ Conflict & resolution · #22

Must a wife obey her husband in everything?

No — a wife's obedience to her husband is obligatory only in what is right (ma'ruf: good and reasonable), not in sin or in what causes harm.
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Obedience is only in what is right" and there is no obedience to any created being in disobedience to Allah (Sahih al-Bukhari 7257; Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Imarah). For example, a wife is not obliged to follow an instruction to abandon prayer, uncover her ʿawrah, hand over her own property against her will, or cut ties with her parents. At the same time, the husband as qawwam (4:34) carries the responsibility to lead, protect and provide maintenance — that leadership is a trust, not absolute power. Both have rights and duties (2:228). See Rights of husband & wife and Nushuz & conflict.

Sources

Sahih al-Bukhari 7257; Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Imarah — obedience only in what is rightSurah an-Nisa' 4:34Surah al-Baqarah 2:228

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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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