The Salaf used to be patient in the face of their spouses’ misdemeanor. They would conclude their wives’ behaviour was a reflection of their own attitude to their Lord.

One of the Salaf (may Allâh bestow mercy on him) has said:

‘Whenever I become disobedient to Allâh I see reflection of that in my animal and wife.’

They, may Allâh be pleased with them, used to render to the women their due rights to the maximum, they would not to allow their wives’ disobedience towards them refrain them from that.

Alî bn Abî Tâlib (may Allâh be pleased with him) used to say:

‘A man’s bliss is from five things: that his wife be obedient, that his children be dutiful, that his brethren be pious, that his neighbour be upright, and that his means of livelihood be in his town.’

The Prophet (salaLlaahu alahyi wa sallam) has said:

‘The best of you is the best to his family; and I am the best among you to his family.’ [Tirmidhi (13/262) and Ad-Dârimî (2/159). Ash-Shaykh Al-Albâni authenticated in As-Sahîhah no: (285)]

Ahmad bn Har’b (may Allâh bestow mercy on him) used to say:

‘When six traits merge in a woman then she has a complete uprightness: that she guards her five daily prayers, that she obeys her husband, that she pleases her Lord, that she safeguards her tongue from backbiting and eavesdropping, that she takes little of this world and that she shows patience when a trial befalls her.’

Also from the Salaf’s attitude towards their wives was their patience on training them, doing so in accordance with Allâh’s statement:

“And enjoin As-Salât (the prayer) on your family, and be patient in offering them [i.e. the Salât (prayers)].” [Ta-ha: 132].

And they would do so in accordance with the Messenger of Allâh’s advice (salaLlaahu alahyi wa sallam):

‘Fear Allâh as regard the women, you have taken them upon the trust of Allâh, and their private parts have become lawful to you upon Allâh’s Word.’