For this reason the object in the phrase, “and because they spend of their wealth” (4:34), is omitted to show that the obligation is all-encompassing.

It follows, then, that the husband stands toward his wife like a governor and master, while she is with him like a captive, bound to his authority and obedience. Let him, therefore, fear Allah with respect to her, and straighten her conduct in a way that benefits him in his religion and his worldly life, in his home and in his family. He will taste the fruits of that both immediately and in the future; but if he neglects it, he has only himself to blame.

• They are of two categories:

• The first are the highest rank of women and the best possession a man can have. They are the ones described in His words: “So righteous women are devoutly obedient, guarding what is to be guarded in their husbands’ absence, as Allah has guarded it” (4:34). That is, they obey Allah and their husbands, have discharged both sets of rights, and have earned a double share of reward. They protect themselves from every suspicion, keep the trusts placed with them, manage their homes, and safeguard the family through sound upbringing and manners that are beneficial both religiously and worldly.

They must exert themselves and seek Allah’s help in this; hence His statement, “as Allah has guarded.” Meaning: if they are granted success in this noble task, let them praise Allah for it and realize that it is from His protection, facilitation, and easing. For whoever is left to his own devices—the soul ever commands evil—whereas the one who recognizes Allah’s favor, relies on Him, and does what he can in beneficial deeds, Allah will relieve him of what worries him, set his affairs aright, make good easy for him, and let beneficence flow as is His gracious custom.

• The second category are the lower tier of women, the exact opposite of the former in every trait. Because of their bad character and poor upbringing, such a woman exalts herself above her husband and disobeys him in obligatory and recommended matters. Allah therefore commanded that they be corrected by beginning with what is easiest, saying: “Those from whom you fear rebellion—admonish them” (4:34); that is, make clear to them the ruling of Allah and His Messenger regarding the obligation of obeying husbands, encourage them by pointing out the reward it entails, and frighten them with the sin of disobeying their husbands,