Definition
In Islam, a zauj (زوج) refers to a husband, whose role encompasses specific responsibilities and rights within the marital relationship. A husband’s rights and duties generally pertain to providing for his wife’s basic needs—including food, clothing, and lodging. Distinctions in the interpretation of these responsibilities exist between Sunni and Shīʿah schools of thought.
Etymology
Zauj (زوج) stems from classical Arabic, where it generally denotes “pair” or “spouse”. The term signifies the partner in a marital union.
Background
The rights and obligations of a husband in Islamic tradition are derived from the Qur’an, Hadith, and additional Islamic jurisprudence such as the Hidāyah. The Hidāyah holds considerable influence in Hanafi jurisprudence, an authoritative Sunni doctrine.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
While Sunnī and Shīʿah traditions share broad similarities in defining the husband’s responsibilities, nuances persist:
- Sunni Law: It bars a husband’s testimony regarding his wife in legal matters, typically to prevent conflicts of interest.
- Shīʿah Law: More permissive in accepting testimonies between spouses under certain conditions.
- Both require equitable treatment among multiple wives, but specific juristic schools may have subtler differences in application.
Synonyms
- Spouse
- Consort
- Life partner
Antonyms
- Wife (زوجة)
- Bachelor (عَزَب)
Related Terms
- Nikah (نكاح): Islamic marriage contract
- Mahr (مَهر): Mandatory payment from husband to wife at marriage
- Mehram (محرم): A lawful or forbidden in marriage individual
Exciting Facts
- Historical Precedent: In many early Islamic states, husbands faced legal obligations to prevent neglect and maintain fairness in marital relations.
- Witness Testimonies: Despite restrictions, exceptions exist, allowing for a dynamic interpretation of legal stipulations.
- Equity Principle: The mandate for a husband to alternate and provide equal residence among his wives reflects Islam’s broader emphasis on justice.
Quotations from Notable Writers
- “Marriage in Islam lays foundations built upon equity, justice, and mutual respect–hidden under these responsibilities are spiritual rewards.” —Hakim El-Mansur
Further Reading and Inspiration
References
- †al-Marghinani, Burhan-ud-din. “Hidāyah.” Islamic Legal Text, multiple volumes.
- †Iqbal, Afzal. “The Rights of Husband and Wife.” Islamic Jurisprudence Studies, 1998.
Suggested Literature
- “Marriage and Morals in Islam” by Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi
- “Islamic Family Law” by Noel Coulson
- “The Concept of Justice in Islam” by Khaled Abou El Fadl
### What is the primary duty of a husband in Islamic marriage?
- [x] Providing food, clothing, and lodging
- [ ] Spiritual guidance
- [ ] Social support
- [ ] None of the above
> **Explanation:** According to Islamic law, a husband's primary duty is to provide for the basic needs of his wife, which includes food, clothing, and lodging.
### How does Shīʿah law differ from Sunni law regarding a husband's testimony about his wife?
- [ ] It is never accepted
- [ ] It is always accepted
- [x] It can be accepted under certain conditions
- [ ] It is accepted only in financial matters
> **Explanation:** Shīʿah law permits the husband's testimony concerning his wife under particular conditions, unlike the more restrictive Sunni law.
### True or False: A husband can be imprisoned for failing to maintain his wife.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** Islamic law stipulates that a husband can be imprisoned for neglecting the maintenance obligations toward his wife.
### What term denotes the mandatory payment from husband to wife at marriage in Islamic law?
- [ ] Hijab
- [x] Mahr
- [ ] Mehram
- [ ] Zakat
> **Explanation:** "Mahr" is the mandatory payment that a husband must provide to his wife as part of the marriage contract in Islamic law.
### According to Sunni Islamic tradition, can a husband provide testimony about his wife in court?
- [ ] Always
- [ ] Never
- [x] Generally, it is not accepted
- [ ] Only in capital cases
> **Explanation:** Sunni Islamic tradition generally seeks to prevent conflicts of interest by rejecting a husband's testimony concerning his wife in legal matters.
### True or False: A husband's obligation to provide equally for all his wives includes residence.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** Islamic law mandates that a husband who has multiple wives must provide equitable treatment, which includes an equal share of residence.
### Which term best describes a legally permissible relationship where marriage isn't an option?
- [ ] Mutah
- [ ] Madrasah
- [x] Mehram
- [ ] Malaika
> **Explanation:** "Mehram" refers to those individuals with whom marriage is not permitted due to close blood ties or other stipulated relations in Islamic law.
### In the context of Islamic marriage, what is often the most emphasized quality that husbands must uphold?
- [ ] Independence
- [ ] Wealth
- [x] Justice
- [ ] Strictness
> **Explanation:** Justice, particularly in equal treatment of wives, is a key principle emphasized in Islamic marriage for husbands.
### What is Sunnī law's stance on residence among multiple wives?
- [ ] Each wife must have a separate house
- [x] Equitable residence is mandated
- [ ] Shared common residence
- [ ] No clear rule
> **Explanation:** Sunnī law mandates that husbands ensure equitable residence for each of his wives to uphold the principle of justice.
### How does Islamic law view the financial maintenance of a wife by her husband?
- [x] It is a responsibility of the husband
- [ ] Optional
- [ ] Responsibility of both partners
- [ ] Family collective responsibility
> **Explanation:** Islamic law makes it the responsibility of the husband to ensure the financial maintenance of his wife.
Thank you for exploring the intricate roles and responsibilities surrounding marriage in Islam. Understanding the depth of these traditions fosters greater appreciation and respect for the diverse expressions of human relationships.
— Hakim El-Mansur, 2023
