Is a wife's service to her husband obligatory or a part of good companionship? Is a husband obligated to provide a maid for his sick wife, or so that she can devote herself to self-care, given their disagreement over the compelling reasons for this? Is childcare a shared responsibility between the mother and the father? And what is the role of each?
Marital disputes are natural and require dialogue, understanding, and respect, along with an emphasis on resolving problems and preserving affection. Marriage in Islam aims for stability, cooperation, and integration, where each spouse serves the other. It is most probable that a wife's service to her husband, according to what is customary, is obligatory, unless she is among those who are served or is ill, in which case the husband must provide a servant for her. Raising children is a shared responsibility. Spouses should cooperate in marital life in compliance with the noble verse: "And due to them is similar to what is expected of them, according to what is reasonable." The husband is reminded of the Prophet's (peace be upon him) example in serving his family.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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