What is the ruling on a wife refusing to receive guests because she feels distressed by it?
If guests stay for a long time, the wife has the right to object because an independent dwelling is her right. As for serving guests, there is a difference of opinion: 1. The wife is not obligated to serve her husband's guests, which is what the Malikis stipulated. 2. The obligation to serve guests with what is customary (bil-ma'ruf).
Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen was asked about a woman who was exhausted preparing food for her husband's guests on Ramadan nights. He replied that it is not customary for a man to exhaust his wife, but if the husband insists, it is appropriate for the woman to obey him, and she will be rewarded for her intention if she tires from performing the task. The basis of the relationship between spouses is love, mercy, and understanding.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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