Is the wife sinful if she refuses to cut her hair in obedience to her husband who ordered her to do so, while she does not wish to cut it?
Absolute obedience to the husband is not obligatory; rather, it is limited to matters pertaining to marital affairs and family management. Therefore, the husband cannot compel his wife in matters outside of this, such as her food, clothing, and hair, unless she is committing something unlawful, or causing him aversion, or being extravagant, or neglecting her duties. Thus, there is no apparent obligation for him to compel her to cut her hair as long as it is within the bounds of Islamic law and does not involve extravagance or waste of time. Some scholars have disliked women cutting their hair above the shoulders, even if the husband requests it. Nevertheless, it may be more appropriate and better for marital relations if the wife cuts some of her hair and styles it in a way that pleases her husband and gladdens his heart.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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