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The Verse That Permits Beating

Quran 4:34 is one of the most controversial verses in the Quran. It explicitly gives husbands permission to strike their wives under certain circumstances. Despite modern attempts to soften or reinterpret this verse, the Arabic text and classical Islamic scholarship are clear: husbands may physically discipline their wives.

"Men are in charge of women by [right of] what Allah has given one over the other and what they spend [for maintenance] from their wealth. So righteous women are devoutly obedient, guarding in [the husband's] absence what Allah would have them guard. But those [wives] from whom you fear arrogance - [first] advise them; [then if they persist], forsake them in bed; and [finally], strike them. But if they obey you [once more], seek no means against them. Indeed, Allah is ever Exalted and Grand." — Quran 4:34

The Arabic Text Analysis

Key Terms

The Arabic word translated as "strike" is iḍribūhunna (اضْرِبُوهُنَّ), which comes from the root ḍ-r-b (ض-ر-ب). This verb means:

To strike
To hit
To beat

It is the same word used in Quran 8:12 ("strike their necks") and Quran 2:60 ("strike the rock"). There is no ambiguity—it means physical striking.

The Three-Step Process

The verse outlines a progression for dealing with a wife's "arrogance" or "disobedience" (nushūz):

Advise them (fa'iẓūhunna) - Verbal counsel
Forsake them in bed (wahjurūhunna fī al-maḍāji') - Sexual separation
Strike them (wa-iḍribūhunna) - Physical discipline

Classical Scholarly Interpretation

Ibn Kathir's Commentary

The renowned Islamic scholar Ibn Kathir explained this verse without apology:

"If a wife's behavior is rebellious, meaning she does not obey her husband, then the husband should first admonish her and remind her of Allah's punishment. If that does not work, he should forsake her in bed... If that does not work, he may strike her, but not severely." — Tafsir Ibn Kathir

Al-Jalalayn's Explanation

The Tafsir al-Jalalayn, another classical commentary, confirms:

"And those you fear may be insubordinate, admonish them, then separate from them in beds, and then strike them, though not severely." — Tafsir al-Jalalayn

The "Non-Severe" Qualifier

Many Islamic scholars add that the beating should be "non-severe" (ghayr mubarrih), meaning it should not break bones, leave marks, or strike the face. However:

This qualifier comes from hadith, not the Quran itself
It still permits physical violence against wives
The line between "severe" and "non-severe" is subjective
It normalizes physical discipline of women by men

Hadith Evidence

Muhammad's Example

According to authentic hadith, Muhammad initially forbade beating women, then changed his mind:

"The Prophet said: 'Do not beat Allah's handmaidens,' but when Umar came to the Apostle of Allah and said: 'Women have become emboldened towards their husbands,' he (the Prophet) gave permission to beat them." — Sunan Abu Dawud 2:2141

The "Like a Slave" Hadith

One hadith reveals the reality of wife-beating in Muhammad's time:

"A man will not be asked as to why he beat his wife." — Sunan Abu Dawud, Sunan Ibn Majah (multiple narrations)

Aisha's Report

Muhammad's own wife Aisha reported on the treatment of women:

"I have not seen any woman suffering as much as the believing women. Look! Her skin is greener than her clothes!" — Sahih Bukhari 72:715

The green skin indicates severe bruising from beatings.

Islamic Law

Reliance of the Traveller

This authoritative manual of Shafi'i Islamic law, certified by Al-Azhar University, codifies wife-beating:

"When a husband notices signs of rebelliousness in his wife... he warns her in words. If she commits rebelliousness, he... may hit her, but not in a way that injures her, meaning he may not bruise her, break bones, wound her, or cause blood to flow." — Reliance of the Traveller, m10.12

Notice that the prohibition is only against severe injury—regular hitting is explicitly permitted.

Modern Attempts at Reinterpretation

The "Separation" Argument

Some modern Muslims claim iḍribūhunna means "separate from them" rather than "strike them." Problems with this interpretation:

The word doesn't mean separation: In every other Quranic usage, ḍaraba means "strike" or "hit"
Classical scholars didn't interpret it this way: Not a single major classical commentator understood it as "separate"
It makes the progression illogical: Why would "separate" come after "forsake them in bed" (which already involves separation)?
Hadith contradicts it: Multiple authentic hadith explicitly discuss beating wives

The "Symbolic Tap" Argument

Some Muslims argue the striking should be merely "symbolic"—like tapping with a toothbrush (miswak). However:

If it's merely symbolic, why mention it as disciplinary action?
Classical scholars didn't interpret it this way
The hadith about not breaking bones implies more than symbolic tapping
This interpretation only emerged in the modern era as Muslims became embarrassed by the verse

Contemporary Implementation

Domestic Violence in Muslim-Majority Countries

Studies show that Quran 4:34 contributes to higher rates of domestic violence acceptance in Muslim-majority societies:

In Egypt, 90% of married women report experiencing domestic violence
In Pakistan, surveys show significant percentages of both men and women believe wife-beating is sometimes justified
In Saudi Arabia, there is no specific law against domestic violence
Many Muslim-majority countries have limited protections for women against domestic violence

Islamic Scholars Today

Even today, many prominent Islamic scholars defend wife-beating:

Multiple Muslim-majority countries have fatwas permitting wife-beating
Some Islamic scholars teach that it's a husband's right
In some communities, refusing to condemn wife-beating is seen as defending Islamic teachings

Biblical Contrast

The Bible teaches a radically different view of marriage. The Apostle Paul wrote:

"Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." — Ephesians 5:25

Christ's love for the church was sacrificial, gentle, and protective—the opposite of physical discipline. Paul continued:

"In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church." — Ephesians 5:28-29

The command is to "nourish and cherish," not to strike or discipline. Peter wrote:

"Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life." — 1 Peter 3:7

The emphasis is on understanding, honor, and equality as "heirs together"—not physical correction.

Questions to Consider

How can physical striking of a wife be reconciled with claims of dignity and equality for women in Islam?
If iḍribūhunna means "separate," why did no classical scholar interpret it that way?
What does it say about a religion that permits husbands to physically discipline wives?
How can "non-severe" beating be objectively defined and enforced?
If this verse is outdated, who has the authority to overrule Allah's explicit command?
Can a religion that permits wife-beating truly honor and value women?

Conclusion

Quran 4:34 explicitly permits husbands to strike their wives. Despite modern attempts to reinterpret or soften this verse, the Arabic text is clear, classical scholarship is unanimous, and Islamic law codifies it. This verse has contributed to normalized domestic violence in many Muslim-majority societies.

The contrast with Christianity is stark: Jesus taught sacrificial love and honor for wives, while the Quran permits husbands to physically discipline them. For women investigating Islam, this verse reveals a fundamental view of marriage that contradicts modern notions of equality and dignity.

Wife Beating in Islam: What Quran 4:34 Really Says