this is reasonable and she has not stipulated otherwise. She must not leave that residence without his permission unless there is a reason recognized by Islamic law. Thus, she may not relocate or travel, nor leave his home without a need, except with his permission. As the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—said:

“For they are captives in your care.”

Her position is that of a slave or captive. She must allow him sexual enjoyment with her when he requests it. All of this must be reasonable, not wrongful: he may not engage in sexual enjoyment that harms her, house her in accommodation that harms her, or confine her in a manner that harms her.

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The scholars disagreed over whether she must serve him by performing such tasks as preparing the household bedding, serving food and drink, baking bread, grinding grain, and feeding his slaves and animals—for example, giving fodder to his mount—and similar duties.

Some said that such service is not obligatory. This view is weak, just as the view that marital companionship and intercourse are not obligatory upon him is weak. For this does not constitute living with him on reasonable terms. Indeed, even a travelling companion who is one’s equal, or a housemate, has not treated one reasonably if he does not help attend to one’s needs.

Another view—and this is correct—is that service is obligatory. For the husband is her master in Allah’s Book, and she is a captive in his care according to the Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger—may Allah bless him and grant him peace. Captives and slaves are obliged to serve; moreover, this is what is customary and reasonable.

Among those who hold this view, some say that only light duties are obligatory. Others say that she must serve him in accordance with what is customary and reasonable. This is the correct view. She must therefore serve him