Question
What should be done if one's wife refuses to observe Purdah? In these modern days of women's liberation, they want to decide everything by themselves. What should I do when my wife hides from me information about the person to whom she is chatting on the cell phone or conducting a secret conversation on the internet. She behaves with extreme suspicion. How much should the husband tolerate and what may he do in terms of the Shariah?
Answer
If the wife refuses to observe purdah or she indulges in any secret activity such as cell-phone chatting, or secret conversation on the internet, the husband should admonish her. If she refuses to heed his admonition, he should separate himself from her bed and boycott her for a while. He should not speak to her nor eat the food she prepares. If this too does not reform her, the Qur'aan allows light beating. If this too fails, then the husband is free to divorce her.
- Source
- themajlis.co.za
- Published in
- The Majlis Vol 21 No 03
- PDF page
- 3
Appears under Questions and Answers (approximate).