What constitutes a non-severe (ghair mubrih) striking of the wife?

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A non-severe strike means one that is not harsh. Ahmad ibn Yahya stated that 'non-severe' means 'not severe.' The husband must avoid striking the face and vital, dangerous areas, as the purpose is discipline, not injury or destruction. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said regarding a wife's rights: "... and not to speak ill of her, nor to forsake her except within the house." Furthermore, the Prophet, peace be upon him, stated, "No one should flog his wife like a slave and then have relations with her later that day. And he should not exceed ten lashes in his striking, according to the saying of the Messenger of God, 'No one should be flogged above ten lashes except for a prescribed penalty from God'" (Agreed upon in the Sunnah collections).