Response 1 In response to this...

Response 1 In response to this, it must be argued that this criticism is derived from the enmity or benightedness of the critic because, according to Islam, housework is not an obligatory duty of a wife. Even regarding fostering, tending, and nursing children, no responsibility has been placed upon a wife.

That is to say, she can choose to do nothing and ask for a servant or she can ask for wages for performing housework and fostering and nursing her children, even if her financial expenses have been placed upon her husband. According to this, how can one say that women are dishonoured and have been considered stipendiary servants?

Meanwhile, it is worthy of note that even though housework and house management is not the duty of women according to the law of Islam, but it is considered morally crucial and essential for familial affection and intimacy. Besides, this is referred in Hadith as حُسن التّبعُّل (i.e. taking good care of one’s husband).

A mistress of the house who is interested in the endurance and warmth of the family endeavours as far as she is able to foster and edify her children and efficiently manage her home; albeit in willingness and relish and not due to legal compulsion and coercion. The wives of the noble Prophet of Islam, his surviving daughter Zahra (a.s), and the wives of the Immaculate Imams and Saints of of God engaged themselves in housework and house management.

Criticism 2 Even though men and women need each other to satisfy their ardor, have children, and raise them, why are all of the family expenses, even the wife’s personal expenditures a husband’s responsibility? Why should husbands work and toil while wives eat and sleep and do not even do housework? Is this not unfair to husbands? Why should women be their husbands’ dependants so they are forced to obey them and tolerate their bullying and restrictions?

Is it not better for both women and men to work and jointly pay for the family expenses? Response 2 Several points must be expounded in order to refute this criticism: 1. Nature and genesis has placed heavy burdens of responsibility upon women, who are compelled to carry them out; such as pregnancy, giving birth, nursing their babies, nurturing, fostering, and training and edifying their young.

These demanding responsibilities require great time and effort to be performed well, and are not compatible with working extensively outside one’s home. 2. Women have monthly cycles and require rest during these periods. 3.