Men who do housework

20-7-2004 | IslamWeb

Question:

Are men allowed to do housework if there is a necessity like cooking, washing, babysitting, etc? There are some men who think that this is the work of women and they make fun of those men who do it. They think men who do housework are not masculine and have the qualities of women. What does Islam say about this? Did our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) do household chores?

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Answer:

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.

Helping the wife in the housework is considered among the noble manners and high moral standards.

This is not at all, as some people think, a shameful act from the husband nor a deficiency in his character, or a decrease of his status. It is confirmed that the prophet   said:" The best among you are the best to their wives, and I am the best to my wives." Reported by Al-Thirmidhi

The guidance of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) toward his wives is the best example. Imam Al-Bukhari reported that al Aswad said:" I asked Aisha what the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) used to do in his house? She replied:" He used to serve his wives, and when the time for prayer came he used to go out for the prayer."

Imam Ahmed reported that Aisha said:" I was asked about what the prophet used to do in his house? I replied:" He was an ordinary man, he used to sew his garment, milk his goat, and serve himself"

For more information, please refer to Fatwa 86406

Allah knows best.