Misconceptions of marriage in Islam need to be addressed

SHAH ALAM - Misconceptions regarding the relationship between a husband and wife based on a specific verse in the Quran should be addressed.

Ibrah Paradigm Training and Consulting chief executive officer Syaari Ab Rahman said some people may have the wrong perception of how a husband should act towards his wife through verse 4.34 of surah An-Nisa in the Quran, which was often misinterpreted.

He was explaining about the verse which says (when translated) '"As for women of whom you fear rebellion, convince them, and leave them apart in beds, and beat them".

“Society have the wrong perception of this surah in which they thought it is alright for a husband to hit his wife and that it means that Islam allows violence.

“But what they should be aware of is that a husband could only hit his wife as a measure to save them and educate them, not to oppress them by humiliating or hurting them,” he said in the first edition of the Celik Al-Quran programme on Sunday.

He said people should refer to the translation of the surah carefully as there was a possibility that they were being deceived by people who have intentions to spread a negative perception towards marriage in Islam.

In addition, he said men should ask themselves if they have really fulfilled their duty as a husband in terms of financial support as well as being a good leader to the family and think if it was an acceptable action to hit their wives.

Meanwhile, ‘Sebarkan Bahagia’ Resources director Fatimah Syarha Mohd Nordin in sharing her views said managing a household is a collective effort and in many situations, women deserved to take the lead.

“Cooperation is necessary in a household, and it is true that there are times when the wives are the one leading or helping their husbands.

“During the Prophet's time, some men were afraid to ask the Prophet anything and their wives were the ones who asked the questions for them,"she said.

She also commented on the relevance of the verse for the wives in the modern day and said it was something that proved how Allah SWT did not allow oppression.

“If a wife is highly educated and well-behaved, then there is no need to use the suggestion from the surah to hit them.

“In the past, many of the wives were very young, so this suggestion is relevant. We need to believe Islam is the best and Allah is not oppressive to anyone,” she added.

The Celik Al-Quran programme entitled "Is it true that Islam allows a husband to beat the wife?" was organised by Dr Har Academy and Wanita Berdaya Selangor Sdn Bhd (WBS) in collaboration with Yayasan Warisan Ummah Ikhlas (WUIF) which was broadcasted live on Sinar Harian digital platforms on Sunday.

The programme was moderated by Dr Har Academy founder Prof Datuk Dr Harlina Halizah Siraj.