Explanation of the Nature of General Obedience (Tamkin-e ‘Aam) and Its Impact on Spiritual Health in Society from the Perspective of Islamic Law

Abstract

Spiritual health is one of the influential concepts in human societies, and attention to it—alongside the physical health of members of society—as one of the dimensions of health, represents a significant advancement in medical science and psychiatry, playing an essential role in achieving human goals, growth, and perfection. Examining the relationship between spiritual health and the rights and obligations of spouses, and particularly the general concept of obedience (tamkin-e ‘aam) and its impact on the spiritual health of society, both in terms of the scope of its definition and its existential philosophy, has given rise to challenges in religiously oriented societies. Based on this issue, the present article is written with a descriptive-analytical approach and through the use of library sources. While acknowledging the international definition of spiritual health alongside the specific functions of the Qur’anic family, it argues that Islamic legal rulings—especially the obligation of the wife to general obedience toward her husband—should not be considered as a risk factor for spiritual health. Rather, this article seeks to address the need for reassurance within Muslim women’s communities inside and outside the Islamic Republic of Iran on this matter, in line with realizing one of the criteria of the efficiency of the religious system and protecting women’s rights. It ultimately introduces divine foundations as a means for promoting the health of the global community.