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Islamic guide: Beat wife 'by hand or stick'
'Gift For Muslim Couple' tells husbands 'it might be necessary to restrain wife with strength or even to threaten her'
An Islamic 'marriage guide' book has drawn fire for advising men on the best ways to beat their wives, the Daily Mail reported Sunday.
Accordiing to the British newspaper, "A Gift For Muslim Couple" tells husbands that they should beat their wives with "hand or stick or pull her by the ears". The book was criticized by moderate Muslims who claimed it encourages domestic violence.
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The book claims to be a 'presentation for newlyweds' or couples who have been together for some years. It was written by Maulavi Ashraf Ali Thanvi, who is considered to be a prominent Islamic scholar.
'Pitfalls of marriage.' Copy of book
The book's blurb says it "deals with the subject of marriage and after marriage relationship, as well as the various pitfalls of marriage, causes of breakdown and their causes."
It also claims to give "real life incidents'" and advises on "different aspects of family life and how to run the institution of marriage successfully."
However, the Daily Mail reports, the book also states that "it might be necessary to restrain her with strength or even to threaten her."
It continues to say that that "the husband should treat the wife with kindness and love, even if she tends to be stupid and slow sometimes."
The author then gives the "rights of the husband," which, according to the book, include his wife’s inability to leave "his house without his permission."
The wife must then "fulfill his desires" and "not allow herself to be untidy ... but should beautify herself for him."
The book also encourages men to scold their wives. According to the book, they may also "beat by hand or stick, withhold money from her or pull (her) by the ears."
It the adds that men should "refrain from beating her excessively."
According to the Daily Mail, the book came to light after going on sale in a Canadian book store. It is understood to have sold out there. It is also widely available from Islamic online book stores.
Canadian political campaigner Tarek Fatah said the book should be banned from stores.
"I wouldn’t say it’s hate, but it is inciting men to hit women," he told the Toronto Sun. "This is new to you, but the Muslim community knows that this is widespread, that a woman can be beaten. Muslim leaders will deny this, but..."
