Is there a Hadith with the wording: "A free woman does not serve in her husband's house," and does Islamic law obligate a wife to perform household chores?
According to the Hanafis, a wife's service to her husband is obligatory in terms of religious duty, but not legally enforceable in court. The Shafi'is and Hanbalis, however, do not consider it obligatory. The Malikis elaborate on the matter, stating that it is obligatory for her to be served by a servant if she is entitled to it; otherwise, she must perform the service herself or through others. Some scholars, such as Abu Thawr and Abu Bakr ibn Abi Shaybah, are of the view that a wife's service in customary domestic tasks is obligatory. As for the aforementioned hadith, it has not been found.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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