The Qur'an states that men are the guardians of women, and thus responsible for earning livelihood for the family and female relatives. Women, however, are given complete control over their own income and property.[1] Nevertheless, they are responsible for educating the children, as God has given the one preference over the other. Man is also considered to be the head of the family.[24] The Qur'an recommends that wives be obedient and adaptable to their husbands. Wives should also keep the secrets of their husbands and protect their honor and integrity. Islamic scholars consider this important in running a smooth family system.[25]
Iranian feminists have concentrated on one particular verse of the Qur'an ([Quran 4:34]), part of which reads `Men are the protectors of and maintainers of women because God has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means’. Feminist theologians in Iran argue that as the only distinction made between Muslims in the Qur'an is that between the pious and the impious ([Quran 49:13]), the word taken to mean `protectors and providers’ in the verse above is more appropriately interpreted as initiator in affairs’.[1]
For both men and women, zulm- known in English as actions of 'cruelty' against someone- is explicitly prohibited.[6]