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Wife called to Islamic teachings and guidelines

Question

My wife is religious, but she does not totally adhere to the Islamic teachings. I do not want to force her. What should I do? Please, support the answer with some Hadeeths and Quranic verses.

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and messenger.

Dear questioner, you have to advise your wife kindly to fully adhere to the Islamic teachings. This is especially so if she abandons some obligations or commits what is prohibited, such as impermissible exposure of her beauty (i.e. does not wear Hijab), or listening to songs and music.

You should also know that you are responsible for your wife before Allaah The Almighty; therefore, you have to enjoin her to do what is good and forbid her from doing what is evil. You should order her to comply with the rules of Islam. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones}[Quran 66:6] It was narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrah  may  Allaah  be  pleased  with  him that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, stated that all of us are guardians and are responsible for our subjects; the man is a guardian of his family (members) and he is responsible for them. [Al-Bukhari]

The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, also said that Allaah The Almighty will ask every caretaker about the people under his care, and the man will be asked concerning the people of his household. [Ibn Hibbaan]

Finally, the abovementioned Quranic verses and Hadeeth indicate that every man is responsible for his household; namely, he has to teach, guide and discipline them. Therefore, try to assume your responsibility and seek the help of Allaah The Almighty by supplicating Him earnestly, and never cease to ask for His forgiveness. Try to undertake your responsibilities as leniently as possible, but consider firmness in certain situations if you believe it will be beneficial.

Allaah Knows best.

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