Unequal distribution of household responsibilities

Mohd Farouk, Muhammad Haziq and Adib, Ammar and Ghazali, Ahmad Naquib Arsyi and Karim, Fatimah (2026) Unequal distribution of household responsibilities. Centris E-Bulletin, 16 (July-August 2026). pp. 42-47. E-ISSN 2811-342X

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Abstract

The family institution in Islam is built upon the beautiful principles of mawaddah (love), rahmah (mercy), and sakinah (tranquility), as clearly emphasized in Surah Ar-Rum verse 21, where Allah states that He created spouses for one another so that they may find peace and compassion in their relationship. However, contemporary Muslim families face numerous challenges that threaten this ideal, and one of the most pressing yet often overlooked issues is the unequal distribution of household responsibilities. In many households today, wives find themselves overwhelmed with domestic duties such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, and childcare, while husbands refuse to assist, claiming that their only obligation is to provide financial maintenance or nafqah. This misunderstanding of Islamic roles has created tremendous tension within marriages, leading to emotional distress, resentment, and even divorce. This article aims to analyze this family dispute from a classical and contemporary fiqh perspective, identify relevant Qur'anic verses and prophetic traditions, apply the framework of Maqasid al-Shariah, and propose practical Islamic solutions that can restore justice and harmony in the household.

Item Type:	Article (Bulletin)
Subjects:	BPK Islamic law. Shari'ah. Fiqh > BPK36 Islamic law (General)
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of Fiqh and Usul al-Fiqh Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences
Depositing User:	FATIMAH KARIM
Date Deposited:	06 Oct 2026 15:52
Last Update:	06 Oct 2026 15:52
Queue Number:	2026-10-Q5465
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/131741
Indexed In:	UNSPECIFIED

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