If a husband provides a maid for his wife, does this substitute for him serving her himself?
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The questioner : Regarding helping with the household, if a husband provides a maid for his wife, does this substitute for what he does himself?
The Shaykh : No, it does not substitute for it, because a husband helping his family has a different status. For example, imagine you are washing the dishes, you and she are at the sink, yes, this might lead to joking between you and her, yes, there is a great difference between the two. The maid is separate. In any case, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) serving his family is undoubtedly part of his humility (peace and blessings be upon him), and it is part of his establishing for his Ummah what brings affection. Did not the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) bathe with Aisha from the same vessel, and she would say, "Let me have it, let me have it"? Yes, all of this brings affection. But most people are harsh, yes.
The Shaykh : No, it does not substitute for it, because a husband helping his family has a different status. For example, imagine you are washing the dishes, you and she are at the sink, yes, this might lead to joking between you and her, yes, there is a great difference between the two. The maid is separate. In any case, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) serving his family is undoubtedly part of his humility (peace and blessings be upon him), and it is part of his establishing for his Ummah what brings affection. Did not the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) bathe with Aisha from the same vessel, and she would say, "Let me have it, let me have it"? Yes, all of this brings affection. But most people are harsh, yes.