In regards to men's duties they do not end when he steps through the door from a day at work, as we see from the example of the prophet Muhammad, May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. He was a Prophet, messenger to the whole world, the leader of a huge nation, a father to his own children, countless orphaned foster children, a husband, a friend to many, a counsellor and a great leader. He was a true man in every sense of the word.

He did not return home kick off his shoes and wait for dinner to be served while he reclined like a king. Indeed Muhammad may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, used to mend his clothes and shoes and help with the housework. This is a great example to all men of how to behave as a Muslim husband.

Narrated Al-Aswad, I asked 'Aisha what did the Prophet use to do at home. She replied. "He used to keep himself busy serving his family and when it was time for the prayer, he would get up for prayer."

We see many examples from the Sunnah, where the prophet Muhammad may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, behaved in such a kindly manner towards his wives. For example when Sofia, his wife began to cry and complain because she had a slow camel to ride on, and could not keep up. The Prophet Muhammad, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, did not reprimand her, or try to "correct her" for being "silly" or for crying. Muhammad May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him simply brought her another camel dried her tears, and gave her his knee to stand on, so that she could climb upon the camel. How many men could benefit from such noble manners and gentle understanding towards their wives when they are upset.

The Prophet Muhammad may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him said, "The best of you is the best to his family, and I am the best among you to my family"

"Behold, many women came to Muhammad's wives complaining against their husbands (because they beat them) - -(Muhammad peace be upon him said) those (husbands) are not the best of you"

Narrated 'Abdullah bin Zam'a, The Prophet forbade laughing at a person who passes wind, and said, "How does anyone of you beat his wife as he beats the stallion camel and then he may embrace (sleep with) her?"

Narrated Thabit bin Ad-Dahhak The Prophet Muhammad May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him said "The most perfect believers are the best in conduct and best of you are those who are best to their wives." (Ibn-Hanbal)

Also we see from the last sermon of the prophet Muhammad, May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him "Treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers."

The prophet Muhammad may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, stated in regard to men's behaviour towards women and especially their wives "Treat women well"

He also said "The best of you are those who are the best in treatment of their wives. He also said "no one honours women except an honourable man, and no one humiliates her, or holds her in contempt except one who is, evil, vile, wicked and depraved".

The Example of the Prophet Muhammad May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him is an example for the whole world.A woman is to be respected and treated kindly, not only to ease her path in raising her children but to give her the peace of mind and security she deserves.

The Prophet Muhammad,May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him,summed it up beautifully when he said "A woman is the Queen of her house"

By bint Mikail