Misfortune in a Woman

Hazrat Ibn Umar (Radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: “Misfortune is in a woman, a house and a horse.”

(Bukhaari and Muslim – Mishkaat)

In another narration the wording is: “Misfortune is in three things: a woman, a home and an animal.”

The “misfortune” in a woman is her exorbitant mahr (dowry), her bad temperament, her abusive tongue and her being infertile.

In other words, a woman whose mahr was fixed very high, she has bad character and a loose tongue, and she cannot bear children, from such a woman one will not find peace and comfort. In fact, she will be a cause of trouble and anguish.

The “misfortune” in a house is it being too small and the neighbours being bad. In other words, a home which is too small and congested, and the neighbours are bad people, living in such a home will be a cause of difficulty and problems.

(Mazaahire Haq)