Husband (Zauj)
Etymology and Translation
- Arabic: زوج (Zauj)
- Turkish: Koca
Definition
In Islamic jurisprudence, a husband (zauj) refers specifically to a married male in the context of his relationship with his wife. His roles and responsibilities are outlined by Sharia (Islamic law), covering various aspects such as maintenance, guardianship, and testimony.
Rights and Responsibilities
Maintenance of Wife
- Provision: A husband is required to provide for his wife in terms of food, clothing, and lodging (Hidāyah, vol. i. p. 63). Failure to do so may even lead to imprisonment for non-maintenance (Hidāyah, vol. ii. p. 628).
- Equality: In the case of polygamous marriages, a Muslim husband is obliged to reside equally with each of his wives. However, if one wife willingly foregoes her turn or rights, adjustments can be made accordingly (Hidāyah, vol. i. p. 184).
Guardianship
- Limited Guardianship: A husband does not serve as a guardian over his wife beyond the scope of marriage rights. This implies his influence extends primarily over matrimonial aspects and not necessarily over all other aspects of her life.
Witness and Testimony
- Sunni and Shia Differences: In Sunni Islam, the testimony of a husband regarding his wife is often not accepted in court. However, in Shia Islamic jurisprudence, the husband’s testimony may be considered acceptable (Hidāyah, vol. ii. p. 685).
Scholarly References
Hidāyah (Hidaya) - A classical manual of Hanafi jurisprudence that outlines detailed rulings about various aspects of Islamic life, including marital relations.
Further Reading
To gain deeper insights into the rights and responsibilities of a husband in Islam, the following works are suggested:
- “Women and Gender in Islam: Historical Roots of a Modern Debate” by Leila Ahmed.
- “The Oxford Handbook of Islamic Law” edited by Anver M. Emon and Rumee Ahmed.
- “Marriage and Morals in Islam” by Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi.
- “Family Law in Islam: Divorce, Marriage, and Women in the Muslim World” by Maaike Voorhoeve.
Takeaways and Conclusion
Understanding the role of a husband within the framework of Islamic law underscores the balance Islam seeks to achieve between rights and duties in a marital relationship. Comprehensive texts like the Hidāyah provide foundational guidance, yet interpretations and applications can vary between different Islamic schools of thought, particularly between Sunni and Shia traditions.
By exploring both classical and contemporary writings, one can better appreciate the nuances and evolution of marital jurisprudence in Islam.
