Sometimes people who behave erratically seem to be immune or...

Sometimes people who behave erratically seem to be immune or less intuitive to their actions. Sometimes, and for some people, they need to be reminded — awakened in a manner which might rekindle their inner consciousness in realizing the severity of their actions. Fatma: I have read in some Islamic literature that, if a wife refuses her husband conjugal rights, then he may implement his disciplinary right to reprimand her. True? Sayyid: This is not a valid justification for disciplinary action.

The only occasion when physical disciplinary action may possibly be administered is when the situation poses dire consequences to the individual, the partner, or the family, and may be foreseen as a means to end the problem. Most scholars recommend that husbands seek assistance from the Islamic courts rather than resorting to the physical infraction in an attempt to resolve any situation.

Fatma: You discussed in “Matrimonial Rights” that men and women are equal in condemnation; however, the Qur’an states that if a woman is convicted of lewdness, then her sentencing would be home imprisonment until death. Yet if the man is guilty of lewdness, then repented, and amended his way, then he was left alone. Could you explain this matter?[^7] Sayyid: This verse was later abrogated in the Qur’an. The sentencing for fornication and adultery is equal concerning men and women.

[^1]: Described by the Prophet as a light tap. [^2]: Bihar Al-Anwar. [^3]: Irshadul Qulub. [^4]: Sahih Al-Bukhari. [^5]: Al-Tabaqat Al-Kubra, v. 1, p. 368. [^6]: Bihar Al-Anwar. [^7]: Qur’an, 4:15-16. Previous…