Title: Some Questions on the Rights & Duties of Husband & Wife Question: Does Islam require that a wife must obey her husband unconditionally? On what grounds can a woman seek divorce from her husband? What are the compulsory duties to a wife/ wives that The Almighty and The Prophet (PBUH) have enjoined upon a husband? What advice have they given on good 'husbandly' behavior? What authority have they given to the husband? What authority have they given the wife? M.N. Parasuraman Answer: The only unconditional obedience required of a Muslim is towards God and His messenger. No one other than the messenger of God - as the representative of God and as the sole source of knowing God's directives - deserves 'unconditional' obedience. Islam has put upon the husband the final responsibility of the well being of the family (from the perspective of this world as well as the hereafter), which comes into existence through a marriage contract. To help the husband fulfill this responsibility more effectively, the Qur'an requires of a wife to cooperate with her husband and to adopt an attitude of obedience and surrender, in matters where a difference of opinion prevails [1] . However, this attitude of obedience and surrender is, obviously, subject to the religious and personal freedom of the wife. This is precisely the reason that where a wife feels that the decision of her husband infringes upon her religious and personal freedom to the extent, which is not acceptable to her, she has the right to move for divorce. This brings us to your second question: A woman (as well as a man) can move for divorce for absolutely any grounds considered, by them to be adequate to break-up the sacred family structure. For details please refer to one of my earlier responses titled: " Permitted Cases of Divorce in Islam " and other questions posted in the section titled " Women's Right to Divorce ". For your remaining questions, please refer to the section titled: " Rights and Duties of Husband and Wife ". I hope this helps. Regards, Moiz Amjad October 4, 2001 [1] The very nature of the relationship between a husband and wife requires that the relationship be one of partnership and understanding, rather than one of obedience and surrender. Thus, in case of differences, the matters should ideally be resolved through discussion, empathy and understanding. However, there can be instances in life, where differences cannot be resolved. In such instances, to maintain a healthy atmosphere the Qur'an requires the wife to accept her husband's decision and thereby avoid confrontation and disruption of the family life.