Spousal abuse is universal across all cultures, but only in Islam is it given divine sanction, both in the Qur’an and in Muhammad’s example:

“Men have authority over women because Allah has made the one superior to the other, and because they spend their wealth to maintain them. Good women are obedient. They guard their unseen parts because Allah has guarded them. As for those from whom you fear disobedience, admonish them and send them to beds apart and beat them.” — Qur’an 4:34

Muhammad “struck me on the chest which caused me pain, and then said: Did you think that Allah and His Apostle would deal unjustly with you?” — Aisha (Sahih Muslim 2127)

“Saudi Family Therapist Khaled Al-Saqaby Gives Advice on Wife Beating, Says: Women’s Desire for Equality Causes Marital Strife,” MEMRI, February 24, 2016: