Asalamu alaykum My question is how to advice a husband who spends a lot of time watching TV and using Internet. The wife told him many times but when she is a bit rude about this he becomes angry. The wife does not want her children to see this, to take example and she wants to be a better muslim and wants a good Islamic family. They do not go out together for family day, they do not talk face to face coz most of the time he listens to her while using the Internet. Please, give some advice coz she is sad, and her husband frightened her with divorce and she loves him. She has a small child and pregnant with second alhamdulillah. JazakAllah khayran

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

No doubt that, wasting time in browsing the Internet or watching television for no benefit is harmful, especially if it leads to some prohibitions such as watching forbidden matters or if it leads to neglecting some religious obligations.

We entrust our enquiring sister that if her husband commits a prohibition then she should continue advising him and not despair. The advice should be done wisely and with soft words since gentleness is always better than harshness.  Wisdom and kind words are reasons for people to accept advice, so seek Allaah’s help, advise your husband and explain to him the dangers of wasting time and neglecting obligations. You may give him some useful books and cassettes that are related to this issue. Also ask the help from relatives and friends who may have influence on him and whose advice could be accepted by him. In addition, supplicate Allaah to guide him; this is a great means that is neglected by many people.

However, if the matter is within the limits of lawful matters whereas the husband does not watch what is forbidden or neglect any religious obligation, then you should not dispute with him over such matters, but if you can advise him gently to spend his time in useful matters then it is better.

For more benefits, please refer to Fataawa 88320 and 84494.

Allaah Knows best.