What is the ruling on the husband striking his wife upon disobedience?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of the Wedding Feast
Primary text
If the wife does not desist from disobedience after admonishment and forsaking in the bed, he is permitted to strike her, based on the verse "and strike them" (Quran 4:34) and the Hadith stating their right is "not to allow anyone whom you dislike to tread upon their mats, and if they do so, strike them with a non-severe blow" (Narrated by Muslim). The sequence of penalties—admonition, forsaking in the bed, and then striking—is established by the implied meaning of the verses concerning feared disobedience, which suggests a progression. There is no dispute that striking is not permitted based merely on the fear of disobedience before it manifests.
Supporting text
There is a view, appearing to be that of Al-Kharqi based on the text's surface meaning, that the husband should not strike her at the first instance of disobedience. However, a narration from Ahmad permits striking immediately if she disobeys, supported by the command "and strike them" (Quran 4:34) and the rationale that consequences for disobedience are absolute, similar to prescribed penalties (hudud), not contingent upon repetition. The opposing view prioritizes starting with the easiest measure to deter future transgression.