What actions warrant the disciplinary beating of a wife?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of the Wedding Feast
Primary text
Discipline against a wife is permissible specifically for abandoning the obligatory duties (*Fara'id*) of Allah. Imam Ahmad stated that a man should not remain married to a woman who neglects prayer, neglects performing Ghusl (ritual purification) from Janabah (major impurity), or neglects learning the Quran. Evidence supporting the necessity of education and discipline is drawn from the interpretation of the verse {Guard yourselves and your families against a Fire} (Quran 66:6), where Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, explained it means teaching and disciplining them. Furthermore, a Hadith narrated by Jabir, reported by Abu Muhammad al-Khallal, states that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "May Allah have mercy on a man who hangs a whip in his house to discipline his family."
Supporting text
If a man beats his wife, neither the husband nor her father should be questioned about the reason for the beating. This is based on a narration from Al-Ash'ath, recounting that Umar said: "O Al-Ash'ath, remember from me something I heard from the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him: Do not question a man regarding why he beat his wife." This ruling is established because the beating might be for matters pertaining to marital intimacy (*al-firash*); if the true reason were disclosed, the husband would feel shame, and if an alternate reason were given, it would be deemed a lie.