Historically, women have been expected to do domestic chores, including cooking, cleaning, and raising children. That’s why as a Muslim wife, you may wonder about your role in housekeeping such as cooking or cleaning.
However, with Quranic references and Sunnah traditions, it is not obligatory that you must do these tasks. Regardless, the wife is responsible for serving her husband within reasonable bounds, just as other wives serve their husbands.
Several hadith may indicate that women are encouraged to do household chores since there are some good reasons. Throughout this article, we will discuss these reasons and explain why it is a good idea for women to cook and clean for their families.
Why a Wife Have to Cook and Clean in Islam: Some Beneficial Reasons
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Within marriages, wives are often expected to fulfill household duties. Although some may view this as outdated or oppressive, there are definite reasons why a wife’s contribution benefits overall family happiness:
1. Mutual Cooperation with the Husband
When a wife cooks and cleans for her husband and family members, it fosters teamwork and mutual cooperation within the marriage.
Working together to manage a household can strengthen relationships and promote a bond between partners. Both partners benefit from sharing responsibilities, leading to a more balanced distribution of tasks.
Furthermore, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) helped with household chores and never viewed them as solely a woman’s responsibility. Al-Aswad reported:
“I asked Aisha what the Prophet used to do when he was with his family. She then replied, ‘He used to do chores for his family and when it was time for prayers, he would go out.” [Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 539 of Bukhari]
Also, Hisham ibn ‘Urwa narrated from his father:
“I asked Aisha what the Prophet did at home. She replied, “He repaired his sandals and worked as every man works in his house.”” [Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 540 of Bukhari]
2. Expression of Love and Care
The cooking and cleaning for the family is a tangible expression of a wife’s love and care for her husband and children. Providing nourishing meals and maintaining a clean environment shows consideration and can positively affect the health and well-being of family members.
3. Efficiency and Time Management
Assigning specific household tasks like cooking and cleaning based on individual strengths and time availability can lead to efficient household management. This practice allows each partner to contribute skills to the household’s daily upkeep, creating a productive and manageable system.
4. Personal Fulfillment
Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of finding satisfaction and contentment in all aspects of life, including domestic tasks. A wife’s role in managing the household is an excellent opportunity to find personal fulfillment and pride in her accomplishments.
According to Saheeh al-Bukhaari (part 9/506), Faatimah (ra), the daughter of the Prophet (saw), asked him for a servant. He said,
“Shall I not tell you of something that is better for you than that? When you go to sleep, say Subhaan’Allaah (glory be to Allah) thirty-three times, and ‘Allaahu Akbar (Allah is most great) thirty four times”
According to this hadith, a woman can care for her home and husband. By creating a comfortable and tidy home for her family, she can contribute meaningfully while feeling a sense of achievement.
5. Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere
A clean and organized home can significantly impact family members’ emotional and mental well-being. As per Islamic teachings, creating a welcoming atmosphere at home is essential to promoting peace and harmony within the household.
It is an excellent way to ensure that family members can unwind, relax, and bond with each other comfortably.
6. Health and Nutrition
Islam emphasizes taking care of one’s body and health. A wife can meticulously ensure her family’s health and nourishment by solely taking responsibility for meal preparation. This practice can provide the family with adequate nutrition, contributing to their overall health and well-being.
7. Financial Management
Managing the household budget and finances is essential for any family’s long-term success. By taking responsibility for household tasks, a wife can actively contribute to the family’s financial well-being. This practice can help the family maintain financial stability and plan for their future with more security.
Should a man help his wife with housework?
Dividing up the chores between partners is essential to establishing a healthy, happy relationship. The previous notion that housework belongs solely to women is outdated and has no place in modern society.
Regarding housework, both spouses should work together to maintain a clean and organized home. Initiating a conversation around equal distribution of labor and household chores can help ensure that both partners share the workload fairly.
In Islam, helping with household chores is essential to maintaining a healthy and successful marriage. Helping a spouse with housework can promote emotional intimacy, alleviate stress, and help cultivate positive relationship dynamics and support.
The Role of Muslim Women: Focus on Cooperation and Personal Strengths
Although Muslim women are expected to do certain household chores, like cooking and cleaning, there’s no obligation. The most important aspect of a happy and healthy marriage is mutual cooperation and consideration between spouses.
Sharing responsibilities and working as a team can help you distribute tasks more fairly and foster a sense of fulfillment at home. Ultimately, the role of a wife in Islam should be based on her individual strengths and contributions to the household rather than societal expectations or cultural norms.
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