What is the criterion for generalizing the verse: "And for them [wives] is the like of what is due from them [husbands] in a reasonable manner"? And what are the rights in which spouses are equal? And will they be equal in punishment before Allah if one of them falls short in the right of the other?

The exegetes (mufassirun) differed regarding the meaning of "reciprocity" (al-mumathalah) in Allah Almighty’s saying: "And due to them (wives) is similar to what is due from them (husbands) in a just manner" (Quran 2:228). Some said it refers to agreement and obedience, others to adornment and beautification, others to taqwa (definition) (piety) towards Allah, and still others to the obligation of maintenance (nafaqa), dowry (mahr), good companionship, and refraining from harm in return for obedience. The intended reciprocity is not in the type of rights but in the principle of their obligation. As for the punishment in case one of the spouses defaults, it is for Allah Almighty alone to decide, and it does not necessitate equality in punishment between the spouses.