The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the profound value of women in various aspects of life, especially within the relationship between a husband and wife. Numerous hadiths highlight how women are integral to the faith, offering support, love, and companionship. The hadiths about wives touch on various aspects, including kindness, respect, and the mutual rights and responsibilities of spouses. This article will explore several significant hadiths related to wives, providing explanations in English, Urdu, and Arabic, as well as highlighting the key lessons taught in each.
The Best of You Are Those Who Are Best to Their Wives
In English
“The best among you are those who are best to their wives.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
This hadith emphasizes the importance of kindness and good treatment towards wives. The Prophet (peace be upon him) highlights that a man’s character can be judged by how he treats his wife.
In Urdu
“تم میں سب سے بہترین وہ ہے جو اپنی بیویوں کے ساتھ بہترین سلوک کرتا ہے۔”
(صحیح البخاری)
یہ حدیث اس بات کی تاکید کرتی ہے کہ بیویوں کے ساتھ اچھا سلوک کرنا ضروری ہے۔ نبی پاک (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) نے بتایا کہ انسان کی شخصیت کا اندازہ اس کے بیوی کے ساتھ رویے سے ہوتا ہے۔
In Arabic
“خيركم خيركم لأهله.”
(صحيح البخاري)
Mutual Respect and Compassion
This hadith teaches that kindness in marriage is central to faith. The Prophet (peace be upon him) made it clear that a husband’s treatment of his wife reflects his overall character and spiritual standing. Mutual respect and understanding are essential for a strong marriage, where both partners must focus on building each other up. Love, support, and kindness are foundations for a healthy and happy home.
In today’s world, this hadith can serve as a reminder that the bond between a husband and wife is not just a worldly relationship, but one that has deep spiritual importance.
They Are Your Garments, and You Are Their Garments
In English
“They (your wives) are your garments and you are their garments.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:187)
This metaphor compares the relationship between husband and wife to garments, highlighting how they provide protection, comfort, and dignity to one another.
In Urdu
“تمہاری بیویاں تمہاری پوشاک ہیں اور تم ان کی پوشاک ہو۔”
(سورۃ البقرہ 2:187)
یہ تمثیل بتاتی ہے کہ میاں بیوی ایک دوسرے کے لئے پوشاک کی مانند ہیں، جو ایک دوسرے کو تحفظ، سکون اور عزت دیتے ہیں۔
In Arabic
“هُنَّ لِبَاسٌ لَكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ لِبَاسٌ لَهُنَّ.”
(البقرة 187)
The Deep Bond in Marriage
The comparison of a spouse to garments reflects the deep and essential bond in a marriage. Just as clothing shields and protects, spouses protect each other physically, emotionally, and spiritually. They comfort each other during difficult times and support each other’s growth and well-being. This profound relationship forms the bedrock of family life, and it is an expression of mutual trust, love, and compassion.
Moreover, garments beautify the one who wears them. In the same way, spouses beautify each other’s lives by their love, support, and companionship. This simile teaches us that marriage is a bond of harmony and mutual respect, meant to provide peace and joy.
The Most Precious Treasure Is a Virtuous Wife
In English
“The world and all things in the world are precious, but the most precious thing in the world is a virtuous wife.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized that a pious, loving wife is one of the greatest blessings a man can have in his life.
In Urdu
“دنیا اور دنیا کی تمام چیزیں قیمتی ہیں، لیکن دنیا کی سب سے قیمتی چیز ایک نیک بیوی ہے۔”
(سنن ابن ماجہ)
نبی پاک (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) نے بتایا کہ ایک نیک اور محبت کرنے والی بیوی انسان کی زندگی کی سب سے بڑی نعمتوں میں سے ایک ہے۔
In Arabic
“الدُّنْيَا مَتَاعٌ، وَخَيْرُ مَتَاعِ الدُّنْيَا الْمَرْأَةُ الصَّالِحَةُ.”
(سنن ابن ماجہ)
Value of a Righteous Wife
A virtuous wife is not just a partner in worldly matters, but a source of spiritual support. The Prophet (peace be upon him) pointed out the exceptional value of having a righteous wife. She plays a critical role in her husband’s spiritual life, helping him stay on the right path, and contributing to the strength and harmony of the family.
In Islam, a virtuous wife is seen as a “fortress” for her husband, helping him avoid sin and providing emotional and spiritual stability. In return, the husband is expected to honour and cherish her, recognizing her invaluable role in his life and in society.
Marriage Completes Half of Your Religion
In English
“When a man marries, he has completed one-half of his religion.”
(Al-Tirmidhi)
This hadith highlights the importance of marriage in Islam, framing it as a crucial aspect of a believer’s faith.
In Urdu
“جب ایک مرد شادی کرتا ہے تو اس نے اپنا آدھا دین مکمل کر لیا ہے۔”
(الترمذی)
یہ حدیث اسلام میں شادی کی اہمیت کو واضح کرتی ہے اور اسے ایک مؤمن کے ایمان کا ایک اہم حصہ قرار دیتی ہے۔
In Arabic
“مَنْ تَزَوَّجَ فَقَدِ اسْتَكْمَلَ نِصْفَ الْإِيمَانِ.”
(الترمذي)
Spiritual Significance of Marriage
Marriage is not just a social contract in Islam; it is a vital part of a believer’s spiritual journey. By marrying, a Muslim safeguards themselves from many temptations and distractions, thereby securing a path toward spiritual fulfilment. The Prophet (peace be upon him) indicated that marriage helps one fulfil religious obligations, as it provides the framework for emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.
Marriage fosters qualities such as patience, sacrifice, and love, which are essential for developing one’s faith. By nurturing a family, a Muslim can create a home filled with the remembrance of Allah, thereby strengthening their connection with their Creator.
Fear Allah in Respect of Women
In English
“Fear Allah in respect of women.”
(Sahih Muslim)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) consistently emphasized the importance of treating women with kindness, urging men to be conscious of their treatment towards their wives.
In Urdu
“عورتوں کے معاملے میں اللہ سے ڈرو۔”
(صحیح مسلم)
نبی پاک (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) نے ہمیشہ عورتوں کے ساتھ حسن سلوک کی اہمیت پر زور دیا اور مردوں کو اپنی بیویوں کے ساتھ رویے میں محتاط رہنے کی تاکید کی۔
In Arabic
“اسْتَوْصُوا بِالنِّسَاءِ خَيْرًا.”
(صحيح مسلم)
Ensuring Justice and Kindness
This hadith is a clear command to men to fear Allah regarding how they treat their wives. It reminds believers that Allah is always aware of their actions, and injustice towards women will not go unnoticed. It urges husbands to fulfil their responsibilities, including love, respect, and provision, in a just and kind manner. The Prophet (peace be upon him) was known for his gentleness and respect towards women, setting a high standard for Muslim men to follow.
Conclusion
The hadiths about wives convey powerful messages about the role of women in Islam, particularly within marriage. These teachings emphasize mutual respect, love, and kindness between spouses. They remind believers that women hold a special place not only in the household but also in the spiritual journey of life. By following the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) teachings, both men and women can build strong, loving, and faith-filled relationships that fulfill the purpose of marriage in Islam.
Each hadith mentioned carries wisdom that encourages both partners to treat each other with dignity and compassion, fostering a relationship built on faith and mutual respect. Through these teachings, Islam aims to create harmony in families and societies.