🕊️ Conflict & resolution · #8
What are the correct steps under the Shariah if a wife is in nushuz?
The first step is gentle advice, then separating beds, and if still at an impasse, bringing in arbiters (hakam) or the authorities — not violence.
An-Nisa' 4:34 mentions advice, hajr (separation) in bed and darb; many scholars stress that these are in stages and that the last step is limited so as not to cause pain, and is better left undone, because the Prophet ﷺ never struck a wife (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Fadha'il). Before accusing her of nushuz, the husband should examine himself: have maintenance, good treatment and fairness been fulfilled? After that, verse 4:35 commands appointing arbiters. If this still fails, refer to the religious affairs office or the Syariah Court. See Nushuz & conflict and Counselling.
An-Nisa' 4:34 mentions advice, hajr (separation) in bed and darb; many scholars stress that these are in stages and that the last step is limited so as not to cause pain, and is better left undone, because the Prophet ﷺ never struck a wife (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Fadha'il). Before accusing her of nushuz, the husband should examine himself: have maintenance, good treatment and fairness been fulfilled? After that, verse 4:35 commands appointing arbiters. If this still fails, refer to the religious affairs office or the Syariah Court. See Nushuz & conflict and Counselling.
Sources
Surah an-Nisa' 4:34Surah an-Nisa' 4:35Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Fadha'ilSahih al-Bukhari 5204