“And consort with them (your wives) in honor and equity [ ma‘ruf ] .

“And consort with them (your wives) in honor and equity [ ma‘ruf ] .” [^3] The word ma‘ruf , which has been used in this sentence, is the opposite of munkar (meaning wicked) and means behavior that is approved by both reason and religion. Even though this verse is addressed to men, women also hold this obligation.

Husbands and wives must be kind, well-mannered, cordial, cheerful, compassionate, helpful, sympathetic, courteous, just, truthful, supportive, trustworthy, loyal, well-wishing, and polite with one other. Various Hadith also emphasize sociability and geniality between spouses.

The Prophet of Islam (S) has stated: عن النبیّ (ص)، قال: «أکمل المؤمنین إیماناً، احسنهم خلقاً، و خیارکم خیارکم لنسائه.» The most complete persons in faith are those who have the best manners and the good among you are those who are good with their wives.[^4] 2. Attracting the Attentions of One’s Spouse Husbands and wives must observe each other’s desires in cleanliness, clothing, the style of their hair and beard, etc.

Islam advises women at home to apply cosmetics and adorn themselves for their husbands, wear their best clothes, be neat and clean, and apply fragrant perfumes. Imam Sadiq (‘a) has declared: عن أبی عبدالله (ع) قال: «جاءت امرأة إلی رسول الله (ص)، و قالت: یا رسول الله!

ما حقّ الزوج علی المرأة؟»—فی حدیث إلی أن—قال: «و علیها أن تتطیّب بأطیب طیبها، و تلبس أحسن ثیابها، و تتزیّن بأحسن زینتها، و تعرض نفسها علیه غدوة و عشیّة، و أکثر من ذلک حقوقه علیها.» A woman came to the Prophet of Allah (S) and asked, ‘What are the rights of a husband regarding his wife?’ He replied, ‘Her duty is to perfume herself with the best scenting of her perfumes, and to dress in the nicest of her attires, and adorn herself with the finest of her adornments, and thus offer herself to her husband morning and night; and more than these are his rights regarding her.[^5] A man also has these responsibilities toward his wife; he must be neat and clean, perfumed and well-dressed, he must style his hair and face regularly, and make himself handsome for his wife.