Is it permissible for a muslim brother to discipline his sister?

Question

I have heard and read in some instances that because a male has higher "rank" than a female that it is permissible for a brother to physically punish his sister even if he is younger than she is. If this is true I would like to know if this is Islam or more of a cultural/traditional way of life?

Answer 1

A Brother has almost the same rights as how much a husband has on his wife. Therefore yes a brother can physically punish his sister.

I would say Islam is not a cultural or traditional but a religious way of life. you cant compare or combine a religion with culture or tradition. They are seperate and different things.

Answer 2

I understand Islam is a religion and follows a religious way of life. I just wasnt sure if the rights of the brother to punish his sister came from Islamic teachings of the Qur'an or if this "right" is a cultural/traditional way of life. Your answer seems to indicate that the brothers rights are a given from Islam. Recently a 21yr old girl I met at university told me her 24yr old brother beat her with a belt because she left their family home for 1 hour without permission. She told me this was his right and she deserved the punishment. I was a bit shocked but knowing hers was a different way of life I just wanted to know if it was a religious right or a part of her family culture.