Moreover, the husband should fear Allah Almighty regarding all his dependants. Any negligence to either his wife, child, or parents is not acceptable. He should manage to take care of his parents and to be careful regarding his wife’s and child’s rights.
It is our belief that the relationship between the husband and his wife should be based on mutual under
standing, respect, love, mercy, affection, etc.
In this regard, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states: “A person’s duty towards his parents comes second only to his duty towards Allah. Allah says: [Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you shall render utmost kindness to your parents] (Al-Israa’ 17:23).
This, however, does not mean that he can be neglectful or complacent of his duties towards his spouse and children. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “There is no sin worse than a person’s wilful neglect of his own family (that is, wife and children).” A Muslim ought to balance his duties towards his wife and children with those that he owes towards his parents and other blood relations. Since Islam is a religion of balance, one is supposed to balance both these duties.”