subject: The book: The Fragile Vessels ( A Fair Partnership ) [print this page] The book: The Fragile Vessels ( A Fair Partnership )
Marriage is a bond held together by mutual rights and responsibilities or each o the two spouses. It is a partnership between the, and they are both required to play an active role in that partnership.
The man is appointed as the leader of the household, and the woman as the supportive helper whose expertise in many areas cannot be handled by a man. Both the husband and wife have certain rights and duties. A happy and successful marriage is assured if both of them fulfil their duties and preserve each other's right. Violating those rights is a sure way to misery and failure.
Shared Obligations and Shared Rewards
Some responsibilities equally apply to the man and woman. For instance, the obligation of believing in Allah and following His commands is identical for both of them. Similarly, they are both responsible and accountable for their actions. They are both equally required to learn the correct religion, Worship Allah, and call to His way.
The man and woman get similar rewards for obedience to Allah, and similar punishment for disobedience or sinning. Allah says:
"Whoever does righteous deeds, weather male or female, while he is a believer -We will surely grant him a good life, and will surely give them their reward according to the best of what they used to do."
And Allah says:
"Their Lord responded to them (saying), "Verily, I will not let the deeds of any worker among you go to waste - whether male or female; you are of one another.""
Between equality and fairness
In comparing between woman and men, we should realize that Islam does not equate those who are inherently different. There are matters in which men are given preference over woman, and vice verse. Therefore, rather than equating those who can never be equal, our concern should be directed toward fairness in dealing with both. Allah says:
"Do not wish for things in which Allah has preferred some of you over others. Men get a share (or reward) in what they have earned, and woman get a share in what they have earned. And ask Allah of His favors. Indeed, Allah is ever Knowledgeable about all things."
Natural Differences
Among the most important gender-based instructions were indicated in one of the Prophet's last speeches. Amr Binal-Ahwas al-Jushami reported that he heard Allah's Messenger in the "Farewell Pilgrimage" (on Arafah) praise and glorify Allah, remind and reproach the people, and then say:
"Lo! Take good care of woman, for they surely are captives under your charge, and you do not possess of them any more than this (subordination) - unless they commit a manifest sin. If they do, abandon them in sleep, and beat them lightly. If they obey you, do not apply any further punishment. Lo! You have a right upon your woman, and your woman have a right upon you. Your right upon them is that they should not admit for sitting upon your furnishings or entering into your home anyone you dislike. Lo! And their right upon you is that you treat them well in terms of clothing and food."
This clearly indicates that there are specific rights for the woman upon their husbands, and other rights specific for the men upon their wives.
