Outrage as Islamic book tells men to ‘beat wives’

An Islamic ‘marriage guide’ has sparked outrage for advising men to beat their wives with ‘hand or stick or pull her by the ears’. The 160-page book titled ‘A Gift For Muslim Couple’ claims to be a ‘presentation for newlyweds’ or couples who have been together for some years. It is written by Maulavi Ashraf Ali Thanvi, who is understood to be a prominent Islamic scholar. According to the book's blurb, ‘the book deals with the subject of marriage and after marriage relationship, as well as the various pitfalls of marriage, causes of breakdown and their causes.’ Within the book's opening pages it states that ''it might be necessary to restrain her (wife) with strength or even to threaten her”, The Daily Mail reports. “The husband should treat the wife with kindness and love, even if she tends to be stupid and slow sometimes,” the book says. The book says that the wife must ‘fulfil his (husband’s) desires’ and ‘not allow herself to be untidy ... but should beautify herself for him.’ According to the report, the book, which came to light after going on sale in Canada, has faced a backlash from moderate Muslims who claim that it encourages domestic violence. “I wouldn’t say it’s hate, but it is inciting men to hit women,” Canadian political campaigner Tarek Fatah 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,” he added.