An Islamic 'marriage guide' has sparked off outrage for advising men to beat their wives with "hand or stick or pull her by the ears".
The 160-page book titled A Gift For Muslim Couple claims to be a "presentation for newlyweds" or couples who have been together for some years in a married life.
It is written by Maulavi Ashraf Ali Thanvi, who is understood to be a prominent Islamic scholar.
According to the book's blurb, "the book deals with the subject of marriage and after marriage relationship, as well as the various pitfalls of marriage, and causes of breakdown".
Within the book's opening pages, it states that "it might be necessary to restrain her (wife) with strength or even to threaten her", The Daily Mail reported.
"The husband should treat the wife with kindness and love, even if she tends to be stupid and slow sometimes," the book says.
The book says that the wife must "fulfil his (husband's) desires" and "not allow herself to be untidy ... but should beautify herself for him".
The book claims to narrate "real life incidents" and advises on "different aspects of family life and how to run the institution of marriage successfully".
{{/usCountry}}The book claims to narrate "real life incidents" and advises on "different aspects of family life and how to run the institution of marriage successfully".
{{/usCountry}}According to the report, the book, which came to light after going on sale in Canada, has faced a backlash from moderate Muslims who claim that it encourages domestic violence.
Canadian political campaigner Tarek Fatah told the Toronto Sun: "This is new to you, but the Muslim community knows that this is widespread, that a woman can be beaten. Muslim leaders will deny this."