House Work and Cooking
Posted: 18 Zul-Hijjah 1422, 3 March 2002
| Q.) I have a question regarding the man’s responsibilities regarding work at home. Is there any prohibition in Shariah that man should not cook or do house work? I cook, may be once or twice a week, but a friend of mine says that husband’s are not supposed to cook and also not do any house work. Only the wife is required to cook and do the work. What is the stance of Shariah on this? [Kamran] |
A.) Allah Ta’ala has created every creature/object for different objectives. Allah Ta’ala created male and female both for different objectives.
A man is responsible to sustain his wife and children, etc. The specialty of a female is to remain concealed, not to be exposed. Therefore, Rasulullah 
ordered women to offer their Salat in the darkest portion of their homes. In the same light, the female will be in charge of the domestic affairs of the house cleaning, cooking, etc. This does not mean a man is not allowed to carry out the household duties of cooking, etc.
Someone enquired from Sayyidna Aaisha, Radi-Allahu anha, ‘What did Nabi do at home.’ She replied, ‘He used to serve his household members.’ (Bukhari). From here, it is clearly noted to help with domestic works is also the practice of our Nabi . While the husband should definitely assist, it should not result in a reversal of roles. And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
CHECKED AND APPROVED: Moulana Imraan Vawda