Prophet Muhammad’s behavior wit= h his wife (wives)

BS Foad, M.D 2009

We are ordered in the Qur’an to follow the example of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

“You have indeed in the messenger of Allah a bea= utiful pattern of conduct ..”

Al-Ahzab= 33: 21

Seeking the counsel of= his wife and respecting her advice

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) sought the council of his wife= Umm Salama and followed her advice during the truce of Hudaybeya, when the Musl= ims were angry and disappointed when they were prevented from entering Macca by= the Quraish. They did not follow the prophet’s order until he followed his wife’s advice, shaved his head and sacrificed the animals, then the Muslims followed his example.

Being tolerant and pat= ient

When a wife gets angry, her husband should be patient = and tolerant and wait till she returns to normal. He should respect her feelings and privacy, but remain supportive and loving, not distant. If he made a mistake, he should not hesitate in apologizing and seeking his wife’s forgiveness. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) once seeing Aesha angry said: (Do you accept Abou Obaida to judge between us?) She said: No, he is a man and will judge in your favor. He said: (Do you accept Omar?) She said: No, I am afra= id of Omar. He said: (Do you accept Abou Bakr?) She said: Yes.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) understood the nature of women advised Muslim men to be good to their wives and to take care of them. He t= old us that women’s reaction is different from men, and that we should not force our opinions on others, but respect and accept their reaction, though they differ with our own reaction and behavior.

A man may not tolerate for long his wife’s illne= ss or incapacity, but the wife’s illness is a test and trial from God, to s= ee how we are going to react. The Qur’an tells us to be patient and persevere ”And We shall try you until We test among you who will stri= ve their utmost and persevere in patience; and We shall try your mettle” Muhammad 47: 31

Helping his wife at ho= me

Aesha reported that Allah’s messenger used to me= nd his clothes; milk the goat and takes care of himself and help his family at hom= e) Bokhari

Having trust in his wi= fe: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) forbade Muslim men from coming home without giving notice to their wives fi= rst.

Expressing his love fo= r her

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said about loving his first wi= fe Khadeeja (I was blessed in loving her) Muslim. The Angel Jebreel told proph= et Muhammad (PBUH) to give his wife Khadeeja the glad tidings of a house in he= aven made of pearls and to give her greetings from Allah and Jebreel. The Prophet delivered the message and was happy for his wife.

providing for her and his family ou= t of his means

“Let the man of means spend according to his mea= ns: and the man whose resources are restricted, let him spend according to what Allah has given him. Allah puts no burden on any person beyond what He has given him. After a difficulty, Allah will soon grant relief” At-talaq= 65: 7

Sharing good times and= bad times

Life is not easy. Both husband and wife should support= each other during hardship and difficult times. No person should shoulder the wh= ole responsibility alone. Each should provide hope, say kind words and encourage his partner.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) never hit or beat any of his wives