Explain the roles of husband, wife, parents, and children in Islam

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Explain the roles of husband, wife, parents, and children

In a marriage, both the husband and wife are to be mindful of their duty to God and their responsibilities to one another in all aspects of their interaction.

' O mankind, be careful of your duty to your Lord, Who created you from a single soul and from it created its mate, and from the two of them spread abroad a multitude of men and women. Be careful of your duty to God in Whom you claim ( your rights ) of one another, and towards the wombs. Verily, God is Watcher over you' ( 4 : 1 )

Islam goes much further than setting the course of behaviour for husbands and wives. There are many statements in the Qur'an and the Sunnah that prescribe kindness and equity, compassion and love, sympathy and consideration, patience and good will. The Prophet goes as far as to declare that the best Muslim is the one who is best to his family, and the greatest, most blessed joy in life is a good, righteous wife.

Husband :

Islam does appoint the leadership of the family to men because in general they do possess a somewhat greater physical and emotional strength and endurance than women. For this reason, they have to be responsible for maintaining and supporting women. This does not only mean their wives and daughters, but also any other female relatives who may need help and support.

' Men are responsible for women because God has given the one more than the other, and because they spend of their property ( for the support of women ). Virtuous women are therefore obedient, guarding in their ( husbands' ) absence that which God has guarded.'

( 4:4 ).

The husband is expected to provide for the home i.e. he is responsible for bringing in money - this is his duty. The husband is responsible for the cost of his wife's food, clothes and accommodation. In addition to providing these material needs, a husband is to be considerate and concerned for his wife's welfare. There are many Hadiths of the Prophet which prescribe kindness and consideration for women. They also advice Muslim men to treat their wives with honour and respect. The Prophet
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said that the best men are those who are best to their wives. He not only should avoid hurting her but should bear with her even if she does something disagreeable.

Although women generally do the domestic work of the house, but Islam does not require them to do so, often it is because they are more convenient as men often go to work. A husband should help his wife with the housework like the Prophet did. Muhammad used to assist his wives, mend his own clothes and participate in manual work.

He should also ...

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