Zainab Al-`Alawani, Instructor of Fiqh and Islamic Studies, Graduate School of Islamic and Social Sciences, states the following: “The Qur’an and Sunnah always focus on all dimensions of husband-wife relationships and across their families as well. If we study closely the Islamic law related to family relationship, we will find that the ultimate purpose for the rules and laws we will find that they are to protect the relationships as healthy and strong. So, what is going on in the instructions of some imam focusing on women, is part of the misunderstanding of Islamic teachings.
The reality that Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) directed both and women to respect each other and to respect any other relationship and that is what it comes under the concept of ma’roof and ihsan in the language of the Qur’an. In this case, the relationship between husband and wife is supposed to be based on this verse: “The Believers, men and women, are protectors, one of another: they enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil: they observe regular prayers, practice regular charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. On them will Allah pour His Mercy: for Allah is Exalted in power, Wise.”(At-Tawbah 9: 71). According to this verse, both husband and wife are supposed to act at their best with all family relationships (in-laws, neighbours, friends, etc.)