Wa Aslahna Lahu Zawjahu

Wa-Aslahna Lahu Zawjahu (And We Reformed for Him His Wife) is an Islamic guidance treatise authored by the Saudi scholar Abd al-Malik bin Qasim, addressing the role, conduct, and spiritual rectitude of the Muslim wife in cultivating a stable marital and domestic life Wa Aslahna Lahu Zawjahu.

Purpose and Scope

The treatise is directed specifically toward Muslim wives seeking domestic harmony and religious reward Wa Aslahna Lahu Zawjahu. In the introduction, the author states that a righteous spouse is a source of serenity, happiness, and mutual comfort in this life and the hereafter, enabling both partners to perform their religious obligations and worldly duties without mental distraction, while fostering an upright environment for raising children Wa Aslahna Lahu Zawjahu.

The title derives from the Quranic verse describing the divine blessing granted to the prophet Zechariah: وَأَصْلَحْنَا لَهُ زَوْجَهُ ("And We reformed for him his wife" [Al-Anbiya': 90]) Wa Aslahna Lahu Zawjahu. In explicating this passage, the author references interpretations transmitted by classical exegetes such as Ibn Kathir, citing Ibn Abbas's view that her infertility was cured, and Ata ibn Abi Rabah's view that her character and sharp speech were corrected Wa Aslahna Lahu Zawjahu.

Contents and Themes

The booklet addresses the practical and spiritual factors that impact the marital home:

• Spousal Rights and Moral Advice: The author highlights the religious imperative of obeying and pleasing one's husband, citing Ibn Taymiyyah's remark that no obligation upon a woman after the rights of God and His Messenger is greater than the right of her husband, as well as counsel from Ibn al-Jawzi on guarding against marital discord Wa Aslahna Lahu Zawjahu. It also relates the example of Ahmad ibn Hanbal, who praised his wife Abbasa bint al-Fadl for living with him for thirty years without a single dispute Wa Aslahna Lahu Zawjahu.
• Causes of Marital Breakdown: Under the section "Where Are Homes Destroyed From?" (Min Ayna Tuhdam al-Buyut?), the text enumerates destructive influences and behaviors, including negative media messaging that fosters dissatisfaction, idle gossip among acquaintances that incites rebellion against the husband, constant absence from the home, persistence in religious transgressions, arrogance (kibr) rooted in wealth or beauty, usurpation of the husband's leadership, neglect of personal grooming, ingratitude toward the husband's provisions, and describing other women's physical attributes to the husband Wa Aslahna Lahu Zawjahu+2.
• Harmful Counsel: The author cautions wives against seeking counsel from foolish or resentful female acquaintances who advise marital rebellion or separation over minor disagreements rather than offering calming guidance Wa Aslahna Lahu Zawjahu.
• The Reformative Wife (Al-Zawjah al-Muslihah): The work explores the wife's active role as a positive caller (da'iyah) within her household by encouraging her husband toward righteous deeds, praying together at night (qiyam al-layl), and maintaining virtuous companionship Wa Aslahna Lahu Zawjahu.
• Humility and Reconciliation: The text urges women to avoid pride during marital conflicts and to initiate reconciliation swiftly, citing prophetic traditions praising affectionate and yielding spouses Wa Aslahna Lahu Zawjahu.
• Fruits of a Righteous Wife: The book outlines nine key benefits that result when a wife reforms herself: attaining divine reward, achieving happiness in both worlds, ensuring marital stability, raising children soundly, allowing the husband to focus productively on worldly and spiritual matters, performing worship with inner peace, serving as a noble model for relatives, fostering productivity within the household, and securing tranquil domestic life Wa Aslahna Lahu Zawjahu+1.