In the 23rd episode of his Ramadan TV Program “Sheikh Al-Azhar’s Talk”, the Grand Imam, "Divorce is not the first solution for nushūz (marital arrogance). Dialogue is the first right step toward treatment".
The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Prof Ahmed Aṭ-Ṭayyeb said that nushūz in Islam is traditionally defined as the woman’s arrogance towards her husband and making him feel that he is inferior than her. Other types of disagreement may not be considered as nushūz, as some people may misunderstand. He added that divorce is not the first solution for nushūz, but treatment must be gradual. It begins with the attempt to give advice, resort to dialogue and to reform. After that, there is the stage of separation in bed, and finally slight beating may be resorted to. Beating should never be severe. It is misunderstood by many people, despite what the Islamic law has set as restrictions and regulations so that no physical or moral harm may be inflicted. Its purpose is refinement rather than harm, and ultimately divorce may otherwise be applied.
In the 23rd episode of his Ramadan program on Egyptian television “Sheikh Al-Azhar’s Talk,” the Grand Imam added that all legislations and religions try to preserve the family and its stability. Therefore, Islam calls on the husband to be patient with the nāshiz (arrogant) wife and, on his part, he has to try to handle the situation wisely, because in divorce all parties would lose, especially the nāshiz wife.
The Grand Imam concluded that nushūz (arrogance) is not limited to women, but may be committed by men as well. The judiciary has the right to deal with nāshiz men using the same methods as that of nāshiz women, because the spouses' rights are equal. He explained that the solution is through the commitment of both parties to the Divine limits, preserving the family and respecting each other.
The Grand Imam's program is broadcast at 6:15 pm daily, throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan. It discusses a number of Muslim family issues, the rights established in Islam for the husband and the wife, and how to preserve the family as a basis for a solid human community.