Book advising ways to beat wife sparks outrage

London, March 25 (IANS) An Islamic marriage guide advising men on 'the best ways' to beat their wives has sparked outrage in Britain, especially among moderate Muslims who say that it encourages domestic violence.

The book -- A Gift For Muslim Couple -- tells husbands that they should beat their wives with "hand or stick or pull her by the ears", the Daily Mail reported.

Authored by Maulavi Ashraf Ali Thanvi, who is understood to be a prominent Islamic scholar, the 160-page book claims to be a "presentation for newlyweds" or couples who have been together for some years.

"The book... deals with the subject of marriage and after marriage relationship, as well as the various pitfalls of marriage, causes of breakdown and their causes," reads the book's blurb.

The book claims to narrate "real life incidents" and advises on "different aspects of family life and how to run the institution of marriage successfully".

The book, however, also states that a husband should treat the wife "with kindness and love, even if she tends to be stupid and slow sometimes".

The book has faced backlash from moderate Muslims.