Rights and Responsibilities of Husband and Wife and the Islamic Laws of Maintenance and Support

میاں بیوی کے حقوق و ذمہ داریاں اور نان ونفقہ کے شرعی احکام

Abstract

In Islam, the relationship between husband and wife is based on mutual respect, responsibility, and compassion. The Qur'an and Hadith provide clear guidelines about the rights and duties of both spouses to ensure harmony and justice in marital life. The rights of the wife include the provision of maintenance, housing, and respectful treatment, while the husband is entitled to love, respect, and cooperation. The concept of Nafaqah (maintenance) is integral to Islamic family law, wherein the husband is obligated to provide for his wife’s needs, including food, clothing, and shelter. However, the wife is equally responsible for fulfilling her duties, such as maintaining marital harmony, fulfilling conjugal rights, and supporting her husband emotionally and physically. In this paper, the responsibilities of both husband and wife are explored in detail, along with the importance of maintaining justice in marital relationships. It also delves into the legal implications of Nafaqah—what it entails and the scope of a husband’s duty to provide for his wife. This analysis not only highlights the importance of mutual respect and understanding but also sheds light on the social and moral dimensions of these marital obligations. By addressing the legal and ethical aspects of marriage, this paper emphasizes the balance of rights and responsibilities that ensure a peaceful and prosperous family life.