Prohibition of Observing an Optional Saum (Fast) by a Woman without the Permission of her Husband

باب تحريم صوم المرأة وزوجها حاضر إلا بإذنه

This chapter touches the give-and-take of married life, where even acts of worship are weighed against a spouse's rights. Its single hadith speaks of a wife taking on an optional fast while her husband is present at home.

The wider point is consideration within marriage: voluntary devotions are good, but they should not quietly override what a husband and wife owe each other. Where the finer conditions lie is a matter for scholars.

Hadith 1750

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) said:

Abu Huraira's story

عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال‏:‏ ‏ "‏لا يحل للمرأة أن تصوم وزوجها شاهد إلا بإذنه، ولا تأذن في بيته إلا بإذنه‏" ‏ ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "It is not lawful for a woman to observe an optional Saum (fast) without the permission of her husband when he is at home. Nor should she allow anyone to enter his house without his permission." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

In plain words

The hadith states that a wife should not take on a voluntary fast while her husband is at home without his agreement, and should not let others into his house without his leave. It teaches mutual consideration within the marriage.

Riyad as-Salihin 1750 · Book 17, Hadith 240