Rights of Husband and Wife, and Justice Between Several Wives

A wife's rights over her husband:

1. Mahr: at least the value of 2.6 tola of silver (about 5,000 taka); spending beyond one's means is disliked.

2. Home: a bedroom, kitchen and bathroom, with the necessary furniture.

3. Maintenance (nafaqah): food, clothing and medical care —

   • Food: half a sa' a day (about 100 taka a day, or 3,000 taka a month)
   • Clothing: three sets of everyday clothes, and clothing for the season
   • Medical care: treatment of conditions that affect the marital relationship

4. Companionship: at least once every four months, with the wife's consent.

5. Inheritance: if there are no children, the wife receives 1/8 of the property.

Beyond these, things such as gifts, recreation and transferring property are mustahabb (commendable) — not obligatory.

A husband's rights over his wife:

1. Obedience in lawful matters
2. Responding when the husband wishes, if there is no religious obstacle
3. Personal service to the husband
4. Staying at home without his permission to go out
5. Keeping away unwanted guests
6. Protecting the husband's property and children

Justice ('adl) between several wives:

Equal treatment is obligatory in three matters:

1. Nights: an equal division of time
2. Gifts: equal gifts beyond what each needs
3. Inheritance: equal shares after death

Complete equality in everything is impossible — the Qur'an itself acknowledges this and allows flexibility while basic justice is kept, according to each one's needs.