34 – Chapter: Enjoining Good Treatment of Women

Allah the Exalted says, “And live with them honorably” (al-Nisaʾ: 19). He also says, “You will never be able to deal perfectly justly between women, even if you strive; so do not incline completely and leave one of them as though suspended. But if you set matters right and are mindful of Allah, then Allah is ever All-Forgiving, Most Merciful” (al-Nisaʾ: 129).

[Explanation]

The author—may Allah have mercy on him—entitled this section “Enjoining Good Treatment of Women,” meaning that a man is counseled to show them gentleness and to fear Allah concerning them, for they are comparatively vulnerable and in need of someone to support and address their affairs. Allah the Exalted says, “Men are caretakers of women by virtue of what Allah has given some over others” (al-Nisaʾ: 34).

The author then cited Allah’s words: “And live with them honorably,” that is, keep company with women and treat them in the manner recognized as good.

The term muʿāsharah (living together) denotes companionship and conduct; thus a man should treat his wife kindly and accompany her with goodness.

Al-maʿrūf (good conduct) is whatever the Sharia has acknowledged and approved, and which customary practice has consistently observed. The decisive criterion is what the Sharia endorses: whatever it approves is maʿrūf, and whatever it rejects is munkar (reprehensible), even if people have become accustomed to it.

Allah the Exalted also says, “You will never be able to deal perfectly justly between women, even if you strive” (al-Nisaʾ: 129). This address is directed to whoever has two wives or more; Allah makes clear