Renowned Pakistani novelist and spiritual thinker Bano Qudsia left behind profound wisdom about life, love, and relationships that continues to resonate with readers across generations. Among her many insightful quotes, one particularly powerful statement about marriage and men captures the essence of what makes a truly good husband.
Bano Qudsia stated that the best man is one whose wife remains as happy after marriage as she was before it. This simple yet profound observation challenges conventional thinking about marriage and highlights what truly matters in a successful relationship. The quote emphasizes that a good husband is not measured by wealth, status, or appearance, but by his ability to maintain his wife’s happiness throughout their life together.
Born on November 28, 1928, in Firozpur, British India, Bano Qudsia became one of the most influential voices in Urdu literature. Her own marriage to fellow writer Ashfaq Ahmed in 1959 was considered a union of two brilliant minds. Their partnership lasted until Ashfaq Ahmed died in 2004, and they remained devoted to each other throughout their lives, embodying the very wisdom she shared in her writings.
This particular quote speaks to a reality many women face in traditional societies where post-marriage life often brings unexpected challenges, restrictions, and disappointments. Many women find their freedom, dreams, and joy diminished after marriage, making Bano Qudsia’s words particularly relevant and necessary.
Her observation serves as a powerful reminder that marriage should be a partnership that enhances life rather than diminishes it. A truly good man ensures his wife’s happiness doesn’t fade with time but continues to flourish. This wisdom remains timeless, encouraging both men and women to reflect on what genuine marital success looks like beyond social expectations and traditional roles.
