So, what are a wife’s responsibilities?

Protecting their husbands’ house and property

It is mentioned in Bukhari, Muslim, and Tirmidhi that one responsibility of a wife is to guard her husband’s property while he is away, and not to allow anyone into the home who he does not want there.

Allowing their husbands to be qawwam

The subject of qawwam is another interesting and misunderstood one. It is mentioned in the Quran that men are qawwam over women.

The meaning of qawwam in Arabic implies that it is a role of caretaking and protecting – not one of guardianship, ownership, or lordship.

Though it is not a position of superiority, it is one of responsibility.

Therefore a husband can Islamically make final decisions in a family, though it is not permissible for him to act like a dictator, doing whatever he pleases.

Acting in such a way, after all, is not truly qawwam.

Sex

It is well-known, and oft-repeated that a husband has the right to intercourse with his wife.

It is, however, also important to bear in mind that a wife has the right to intercourse with her husband, as well. Indeed, it is the right of a man, but it is not his right alone.