Is wife 'beating' allowed in Islam?
Qur'an allows wife beating? Yes or no?
Answer: No.
The verse: Surah An-nisa’, verse 34-36.
The Arabic word in question: ‘Daraba’
In some holy Qur’an translations we find that the above word has been translated to ‘beat.’
However, according to Mufti Menck, this translation is in error.
He cites the following evidences to justify his position:
(1) Word interpretation: We find the word ‘darab’ in the context of dry ablution. When one performs dry ablution he/she does darab (i.e. gently taps) upon the earth. If the word ‘Daraba’ had only one meaning, i.e. ‘to beat’ then we would expect those performing dry ablution to beat the earth. This is not the case.
(2) Historical evidences: The holy Qur’an was revealed 1400 years ago and the companions of the prophet Mohammed (PBHU), implemented these verses without ever having beaten their wives. In fact, in husband wife disputes (where the fault was on the women’s side)the companions of the Prophet (PBUH), in SOME CIRCUMSTANCES would draw the attention of their wives by gently tapping them not beating (could be a gentle tap on the shoulder/hands).
(3) Islamic ethics: Islam views wife beating as a cruel and despicable act. It is Haram.
(4) Breaking of marriage contract: In Islam, a women can seek divorce if she is being physically abused. If wife beating was allowed, then would Islam permit this?
(5) Relations:Relationship between husband and wife should be based on mutual love and kindness ( Ar-Rum: 21). The prophet Mohammed( PBUH) said that the best men are those who do not hit their wives and in one narration he expressed his revulsion towards men who beat their wives ( Al Bukahri vol. 8, Hadith 68, pp. 42-43)
Taken together these evidences clearly suggest that wife beating is prohibited in Islam. The word in the verse therefore indicates light tapping not beating.
And Allah knows best.
Mohammed Fiaz Multani.
Qur'an allows wife beating? Yes or no?
Answer: No.
The verse: Surah An-nisa’, verse 34-36.
The Arabic word in question: ‘Daraba’
In some holy Qur’an translations we find that the above word has been translated to ‘beat.’
However, according to Mufti Menck, this translation is in error.
He cites the following evidences to justify his position:
(1) Word interpretation: We find the word ‘darab’ in the context of dry ablution. When one performs dry ablution he/she does darab (i.e. gently taps) upon the earth. If the word ‘Daraba’ had only one meaning, i.e. ‘to beat’ then we would expect those performing dry ablution to beat the earth. This is not the case.
(2) Historical evidences: The holy Qur’an was revealed 1400 years ago and the companions of the prophet Mohammed (PBHU), implemented these verses without ever having beaten their wives. In fact, in husband wife disputes (where the fault was on the women’s side)the companions of the Prophet (PBUH), in SOME CIRCUMSTANCES would draw the attention of their wives by gently tapping them not beating (could be a gentle tap on the shoulder/hands).
(3) Islamic ethics: Islam views wife beating as a cruel and despicable act. It is Haram.
(4) Breaking of marriage contract: In Islam, a women can seek divorce if she is being physically abused. If wife beating was allowed, then would Islam permit this?
(5) Relations:Relationship between husband and wife should be based on mutual love and kindness ( Ar-Rum: 21). The prophet Mohammed( PBUH) said that the best men are those who do not hit their wives and in one narration he expressed his revulsion towards men who beat their wives ( Al Bukahri vol. 8, Hadith 68, pp. 42-43)
Taken together these evidences clearly suggest that wife beating is prohibited in Islam. The word in the verse therefore indicates light tapping not beating.
And Allah knows best.
Mohammed Fiaz Multani.
