respond to him in the customary household service—for example, if he says, “Wash my garment, cook my food, or make my bed”—that would not constitute marital disobedience. This is based on the view that she is not obliged to serve her husband. The correct view, however, is that she is obliged to serve her husband in accordance with what is customary. For this reason, we previously noted, in the discussion of marriages prohibited by reason of marriage, that it is not permissible to marry a slave woman merely because one needs domestic service. This indicates that one of the purposes of marriage is for the wife to serve her husband, and this is the correct view.

His statement, “or responds resentfully”: resentment here means acting with reluctance and heaviness. Thus, when he calls her to his bed, she busies herself with something else. She does respond to him, but she makes him weary of it. We therefore say: this is marital disobedience.

His statement, “or unwillingly”: that is, she responds to him, but unwillingly. Her face shows her dislike and aversion to it; perhaps she may say to him things that are unbecoming, and the like. In reality, she has responded to him, but not in a manner through which full intimacy can be attained. Indeed, the husband will undoubtedly feel an aversion within himself when he sees her treating him in this way. This is marital disobedience. But what should he do with her? The author says:

“He should admonish her.” Admonition means reminding someone of that which encourages or warns. Thus, he admonishes her by mentioning the verses that establish the obligation of living together honourably, and the hadiths that warn against disobeying one’s husband, such as the Prophet’s saying: “If a man calls his wife to his bed and she refuses to come, the angels curse her until morning” (1), and similar reports.