Question No. 2851 31 August 2022 Official answer by Master Ali Saei (Abdullah Meshkat) verified Content level: Intermediate

Interpreting the Hadith “Three Things Bring a Believer Comfort” in Relation to Daughters

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Dear questioner, Master Ali Saei

Tracking code: #Q-2851

On page 83 of the university’s marriage handbook, a hadith from Wasāʾil al-Shīʿa is cited, saying that three things bring a believer comfort and ease. One of them is a daughter whom he does not let leave the house except when she marries or reaches the end of her life. How could someone stay indoors except upon marriage or death, especially in today’s societies? Even in past generations, when there were people who lived this way, they were unfortunately deprived of everything—even the right to education and literacy.

Do hadiths of this kind validate the prejudiced practices of previous generations?

Subject category: Jurisprudence and Rulings Religious Upbringing and Family Critique and review

The essence and first answer at a glance (60-word summary)

The hadith “Three things bring a believer comfort,” one of which is a daughter who does not leave the home except upon marriage or death, does not mean that daughters should be confined. Rather, it stresses the importance of protecting them from harm and abuse, as one would safeguard a precious jewel.

Answer by Master Ali Saei (Abdullah Meshkat)

Teacher and researcher in the intellectual tradition of wisdom and the Ahl al-Bayt | Soroush Bamdadān Cultural Center

The prejudiced attitudes of earlier generations bear no resemblance to the way of life of the Ahl al-Bayt, peace be upon them. A careful reading of the hadith reveals that it compares a daughter to a precious jewel, whose protection and care call for our fullest effort and devotion. The hadith does not advocate confining daughters; it warns against leaving them exposed to the storms of corruption, the mire of moral degradation, and the arrows of abuse. Rather, we should cherish and care for them as we would a flower.

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Interpreting the Hadith “Three Things Bring a Believer Comfort” in Relation to Daughters

The essence and first answer at a glance (60-word summary)

Answer by Master Ali Saei (Abdullah Meshkat)

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