Does Islam Allow Men to Beat their Wives?

In regards to gender relationships, a single Verse is perhaps the most widely misunderstood in the Holy Quran regarding men and women. The Verse States: "Men are in charge of women by right of what Allah has given one over the other and what they spend for maintenance from their wealth. So righteous women are devoutly obedient, guarding in the husband's absence what Allah would have them guard. But those wives from whom you fear arrogance - first advise them; then if they persist, forsake them in bed; and finally, hit them lightly. But if they obey you once more, seek no means against them. Indeed, Allah is ever Exalted and Grand" (Quran 4:34) Before one comes to a hasty conclusion, it's imperative to understand that the Holy Quran came down to Prophet Muhammad PBUH and that he then interpreted it for us. It would be problematic and inaccurate for people to interpret Verses individually in isolation without reviewing other Verses of the Quran and Hadith (sayings of Prophet Muhammad, PBUH). One needs to hear the explanation of the Verse from the Prophet Muhammad PBUH. It also would be problematic to ignore the life story of Prophet Muhammad PBUH, as he lived his life based on the Holy Quran and Sunnah. The exemplary manner in which he lived his life and dealt with others is a prime example for us to learn from and emulate, as God created him as our best role model. The Holy Quran provides teachings and guidance regarding all aspects of life. According to Islamic scholars, this Verse offers guidance in extreme and not typical cases. It pertains to a wife rebelling against her husband through immoral acts of lewdness, adultery, or disloyalty to her marriage; for example, through having an affair with another man or committing an act of vulgarity, bringing shame to her family. The Holy Quran advises the husband to advise his wife, reminding her to be conscious and fear God. This process of inquiry also may include a course of professional counseling.If time passes and the issue does not improve through advice and counseling, the husband can continue to sleep in their bed but should abstain from having intercourse with his wife. After some time, if her behavior still does not improve, then as a last resort, the husband would display his concern by tapping her lightly with a small twig the size of a pen, inflicting no pain but making a meaningful symbolic gesture. This gesture symbolizes his disgruntled state, showing her his upset and anger by awakening her and warning her of the gravity of the situation in which she now finds herself. We learn this from our Prophet Muhammad PBUH. It's imperative to emphasize that this light tapping is a last resort, a remedy intended to fix the situation before the problem leads to divorce, breaking up the family. It's also important to emphasize that this light tapping is only symbolic and is intended to show her the grave severity of the situation. This light tapping must leave no marks or swelling in its wake. The faith of Islam does not allow a man to abuse or strike his wife - or any woman - and many Islamic teachings decree the seriousness of this matter. One must realize that it would not be uncommon or at all shocking for men, who sometimes are prone to violence, to lose their cool and hit their wives if they catch them in the act of infidelity. This Verse guides husbands, telling them that they may not harm their wives; instead, they should express their disapproval and anger in a way that their wives understand their pain. The Arabic verb in this Verse, "Tharb," is incorrectly translated in English to mean hit or beat or strike-- but these words hold a different, much more harsh connotation than what the Verse is referring to. Support the show