An Islamic book store in Toronto has been selling a marriage guide that advises husbands on how best to physically torment their wives. 

The 160-page book "A Gift for Muslim Couple", which advises men how to beat their wives, has sparked outrage among "moderate" Muslims who say that the book provokes domestic violence.

The book, which was published in New Delhi, India, has been sold out. According to Toronto Sun, the store's owner said it would be "stupid" to order more books.

The bookstore owner, Ahmad, refused to answer further questions on the advice of his lawyer. He said: "It would be stupid to get more copies and I'm not going to talk. My attorney ... advised me and that is it."

Although the store owner said that they have not ordered more copies, the book is still available at online Islamic bookstores and even on eBay.

The book tells husbands that they should beat their disobedient spouses with "hand or stick or pull her by the ears", the Daily Mail reported.

"...It might be necessary to restrain her with strength or even to threaten her," the book says.

However, the author later says "the husband should treat the wife with kindness and love, even if she tends to be stupid and slow sometimes."

The book, which was written by Maulavi Ashraf Ali Thanvi, claims to be a gift for newlyweds or for couples who have been married for some years.

Thanvi is understood to be a well-known Islamic scholar.

"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.

According to reports, the book states that the wife should not leave her husband's house without his permission and must fulfill his desires and not allow herself to be untidy. She should beautify herself for him, it says.

The book came into limelight after going on sale in Canada. The book has faced criticism in moderate Muslims in the country.

"I wouldn't say it's hate, but it is inciting men to hit women," Canadian political campaigner Tarek Fatah told the Toronto Sun.

"This is new to you, but the Muslim community knows that this is widespread, that a woman can be beaten. Muslim leaders will deny this," he added.

Contributed by International Business Times