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Marital Roles

In Islam the husband is the head of the family and the wife is its heart. These should function in perfect harmony, in a complementary way but not as adversaries. The role of leadership in the institution of marriage is as vital as it is in any institution and this Islam assigns to the husband.

"And women shall have rights similar to the rights they owe, according to what is equitable, but men have a degree over them. And God is exalted in power."
(2 :228)

This does not mean that the husband should be a tyrant or a dictator . Family life is to be fueled by love and mutual understanding, and if necessary by adapting to each other's limitations. On repeated occasions the prophet recommended the wives to their husbands' tender loving care:

"The best among you is the best in treating his household. And I am the best of you to my household'', (Ibn Maga)

The most complete in faith are those with the most pleasant nature, and the best of you are the best to their wives."   (Ahmad; Termizi; Ibn Habban)

Inclusive in the leadership role of the husband is his responsibility in supporting the family. The sustenance of wife and children is the responsibility of the husband and not the wite. The wife does not carry a reciprocal responsibility, even if she is rich and the husband is not. If she wishes to contribute to the family budget this will be her option but not her obligation according to Islamic law. Moreover, Islam gives woman the right of private and independent ownership, and this right is not compromised by marriage. Her property remains solely hers and she has the right to manage it independent of her husband.