with her, and he must likewise compel her to abandon every prohibited act and to keep away from it. The Exalted says, “Men are caretakers of women because of the advantage Allah has given some over others” (Q 4:34). He also says, “O believers, guard yourselves and your families against a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, over which are angels, stern and severe, who never disobey Allah in what He commands them but do whatever they are commanded” (Q 66:6), and He says, “Command your household to pray and be steadfast in doing so” (Q 20:132). Allah praised His prophet Ishmael, peace be upon him, saying, “And mention in the Book Ishmael: he was true to his promise, and he was a messenger and a prophet. He used to command his family to pray and to give alms, and he was pleasing in the sight of his Lord” (Q 19:54–55).

Accordingly, the husband is accountable for his wife; she is a flock entrusted to his care, and he will be questioned about those under his charge—especially since she raises his children and heads his household. Should her character deteriorate and her faith falter, she will corrupt his children and the members of his home.

Muslims, therefore, must fear Allah regarding their womenfolk and keep an eye on their conduct. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Treat women well.”

If the wife is freeborn, the husband is obliged—should she request it—to spend the night with her at least once in every four nights, because the greatest number of other wives he may unite with her is three of her peers. Kaʿb ibn Suwār delivered this judgment in the presence of ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb; it became well-known and was not opposed. Some jurists have adopted this view, supporting it with that very precedent and rationale. Yet Shaykh Taqī al-Dīn (Ibn Taymiyyah) raises objections to both the deduction and the reasoning, holding that marrying