to bear with them and be patient toward them. For that reason he said, “If you attempt to straighten her you will break her, and breaking her is divorcing her; but if you enjoy her you will enjoy her while she remains crooked. So treat women well.”

This splendid description, masterful imagery, and gracious counsel from the Prophet ﷺ define a man’s stance toward his wife: he is to deal with her in wisdom, mercy, dutifulness, and kindness.

The phrase “she was created from a rib” refers to the creation of our mother Eve from the rib of Adam, peace be upon him.

5 – When we reflect on Islam’s sound rulings, lofty manners, and noble admonitions, we discover among its finest traits iʾthār (altruism). It imbues the soul with a love of good for all humanity, especially for those who have claims upon us—fellow Muslims, relatives, neighbours, and others whose ties bind them to us. Such altruism has the greatest effect in strengthening affection within society and fostering sympathy and cooperation. Self-seeking, egotism, and selfishness, on the other hand, make their bearer disliked and shunned, for he refuses to fulfil other people’s rights.

One of the most significant findings of modern psychology confirms that a person’s happiness will never be achieved without sacrifice for the sake of others. The Exalted said, “They give preference to others over themselves, even though they are in need; and whoever is protected from the stinginess of his own soul—it is they who are successful” (59:9).

How beautiful and noble altruism becomes when it is directed toward those from whom you expect no recompense, reward, or thanks—such as a weak woman or an orphan bereft of his guardian. Islam consistently exhorts us to show kindness to these and their likes, people who possess neither power nor means. The fortunate soul who is loyal to himself and to his brethren never lets these noble opportunities for beneficence escape him, whereas the heedless waster is the one who lets the chances slip away and loses the spoils.