Question :
What is the Islamic ruling on the one who abuses his children, wife, and daughters in law, and sometimes beats his daughters, swears, and even questions their morals?
The Answer :
Praise be to Allah, The Almighty, peace and blessing be upon His Messenger.
In his beautiful biography, the Prophet (PBUH) has demonstrated how should a Muslim run his household, raise his children, and take care of his family where he (PBUH) was the best to his family treating them kindly and making them happy despite the heavy burdens that he shouldered in delivering the message of Islam in addition to the different hardships that he encountered during his lifetime.
Therefore, a committed Muslim is one who takes after the Prophet (PBUH) since Allah, The Almighty, Said (What means): "Ye have indeed in the Apostle of God a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for any one whose hope is in God and the Final Day, and who engages much in the Praise of God." {Al-Ahzab/21}. Moreover, family and relatives are more entitled to one`s kind treatment than others, as pointed out by the Prophet`s following Hadith: " It is sufficient sin for a man that he neglects him whom he maintains." {Abu Dawud}.
Accordingly, kindness to family is incumbent upon every Muslim, but cruelty isn`t permissible since the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "Shall I not inform you about the people of Jannah? It is every person who is, modest and humble (Before Allah), a person who is accounted weak and is looked down upon but if he adjures Allah, Allah Will certainly Give him what he desires. Now shall I not inform you about the inmates of Hell? It is every violent, impertinent and proud man" {Agreed upon}. We advise the above person to treat his family with mercy and sympathy, and never suppose that performing congregational prayers at the mosque regularly, and doing good to neighbors will intercede for him Before Allah, knowing that he (person) abuses his own family. Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said in this regard: "The best of you is the one who is best to his wife, and I am the best of you to my wives." {At-Tirmizi graded it as Hasan}. And Allah Knows Best.
