How can the Prophet’s—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—prohibition of striking the face be reconciled with the revelation of the verse, “Men are in charge of women,” when a woman came seeking retribution from her husband for slapping her on the face?

Striking the face is absolutely forbidden, whether for discipline or otherwise, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) prohibited striking the face. Scholars have emphasized the sacredness of the face, as it gathers all good features and its organs are precious. This prohibition includes striking one's wife and child, and it is even more emphasized when disciplining women.

As for striking a woman in general, it is only legislated with a legal permit in cases of nushuz (rebellion or defiance), provided that it is preceded by admonition, then by abandonment (in bed), and that the striking is not severe. It is preferable to avoid striking even in cases of nushuz. The narrations regarding a man striking his wife and that being the cause of the revelation of the verse "Men are the maintainers of women" are weak. Even if they were authentic, they do not permit striking the face, given the specific prohibition against it.