then whenever he instructs her to do what is obligatory upon her, she may not delay. Hence the authentic hadith states: “If a man calls his wife and she refuses, the angels curse her until morning” (1). We seek Allah’s refuge. This is no light matter. Likewise, it is prohibited for her to render it begrudgingly—for example, she gives him what is due to him, but does so unwillingly, with a scowl and without a pleasant expression. If a man is afflicted with such a wife, he should admonish her, forsake her in bed, and strike her until she reforms, as Allah, Exalted is He, says:

“And those women whose defiance you fear, admonish them, forsake them in bed, and strike them. But if they obey you, then seek no means against them.” [al-Nisa’ 4:34]

Thus, he should admonish her, advise her, and guide her. With sincere intention, Allah makes the matter easy.

Thus, there are three matters: withholding what is obligatory, delaying it, and giving it begrudgingly. All of this is prohibited, because rights must be rendered to those entitled to them without any delay.

Issue: If he falls short in maintenance, and she is able to take from his wealth without his knowledge, then she may take. The master of the muftis among mankind, Muhammad ﷺ, gave her this ruling when Hind bint ‘Utbah, may Allah be pleased with her, came to him and said: “Abu Sufyan is a miserly man; he does not give me what is sufficient for me and my child.” He said: “Take from his wealth, in a reasonable manner, what is sufficient for you and your child” (2).