Since the verse begins with...

Since the verse begins with: "And those who respond to their Lord and keep up prayer," it addresses all the believers. This nation should base their activities on consultation. The third instance is about consultation in the family. ________________________ 1 Qur'an, 3: 159. 2 Al-Hayat, 1/314. For more information c.f. Al-Hayat, Farsi translation 1/313-322. 3 Qur'an, 42: 38. (...

But if both (parents) desire weaning by mutual consent and counsel, there is no blame on them.) 1 The word (mutual consultation) in this verse means two-sided consultation. This may refer to the fact that the husband and wife should ask each other's views regarding the education of children. In fact, the joint experience and understanding of two managers directs the family members. In Majma' al-Bayan, we read : '"Mutual counsel' means joint consultation between man and woman in the family.

The agreement of the two parents is necessary for deciding about children. Since, mother knows things about the children of which the father is-unaware, not consulting may harm the children." 2 Based on this Islamic principle, man and woman should manage the family jointly. Though the family tasks should be divided between husband and wife, its management should be done by their cooperation.

This cooperation of man and woman in the family issues and the education of children is stated in another verse, too : (...

Then if they (wives) suckle (the children) for you, give them their recompense and enjoin one another among you to do good; and if you disagree, another woman shall suckle for him (the child).) 3 For the phrase (enjoin one another among you to do good) three meanings have been mentioned : 4 Accepting each other's opinion if it is a good one; because Allah has ordered the breastfeeding woman and her ________________________ 1 Qur'an, 2: 233. 2 Majma' al-Bayan, 2/ 335. 3 Qur'an, 65: 6.

4 Majma' al-Bayan, 9& 10/ 309. husband to follow Allah's command, and each other's opinion if logical.

Ordering each other about the breastfeeding in a good manner Consulting with each other A fourth meaning is said by Aminul Islam Tabarsi: "You manage among you the affairs of the child and the taking care of his mother so that not to make the child miss his mother's kindness ..." 1 In all the four notions, there are joint concepts that respect woman's personality, consulting with her, and respecting her opinion in family and children's concerns.