Continuing the previous notes, we will mention some other characteristics of council members:
10. Being a Man
The requirement of being a man in council membership is not intended as an insult to women; rather, this requirement is rooted in the division of duties and responsibilities that Allah, the Wise, has determined based on the natural abilities of men and women. The council is a heavy responsibility and a broad duty that the nation and the community place on the shoulders of its members. On the other hand, some duties from which women are exempt are not because of any insult to them, but rather due to Allah’s mercy and compassion toward them.
Allah (SWT), based on His wisdom, has divided the abilities and talents of men and women in such a way that each can perform best in their specific roles. Usually, difficult and heavy tasks are assigned to men. For example, providing alimony and securing a living are among the obligations of men. Moreover, tasks requiring presence outside the home are typically assigned to men because women’s important internal responsibilities—such as raising children and managing the household—prevent them from simultaneously handling other heavy responsibilities, including council membership.
Based on the divine division of duties, the overall supervision of the family is assigned to men, as Allah Almighty says: «الرِّجَالُ قَوَّامُونَ عَلَى النِّسَاءِ» (“Men are the guardians and maintainers of women”). If the responsibility for the family lies with men, then it follows that responsibility for the larger family, namely the community and the supervision of state affairs—which fall under the purview of the council—should also be assigned to men.
In addition to the internal responsibilities of the family, women may face limitations in performing council duties due to their natural and physical conditions. For instance, certain biological conditions may prevent women from attending meetings on specific days of the month or year, leading to potential disruptions in the council’s operations.
Can Women Be Members of the Council?
The issue of consulting women and accepting their opinions has been subjected to different perspectives in Islamic sources. There is evidence in the Quran, the Sunnah, and the conduct of the Rightly Guided Caliphs that indicates the legitimacy of consulting women. Conversely, some hadiths and actions appear to suggest that consulting women is not permissible. Below are some of these reasons briefly discussed:
1. Quranic Verses
– The first verse: «فَإِنْ أَرَادَا فِصَالًا عَنْ تَرَاضٍ مِنْهُمَا وَتَشَاوُرٍ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِمَا» (“If the parents wish to wean the child by mutual consent and consultation, there is no sin on them.”) In this verse, consulting a woman in family matters is explicitly mentioned, and her opinion is accepted.
– The second verse: «قَالَتْ إِحْدَاهُمَا يَا أَبَتِ اسْتَأْجِرْهُ إِنَّ خَيْرَ مَنِ اسْتَأْجَرْتَ الْقَوِيُّ الْأَمِينُ» (“One of them said: O father, hire him, for the best of whom you should hire is one who is strong and trustworthy.”) In this verse, the daughter of Shoaib (peace be upon him) suggests to her father that he hire Musa (peace be upon him). Shoaib (peace be upon him) accepts this suggestion, and this action is acknowledged in the Quran. This verse serves as clear proof of the permissibility of consulting women.
2. Consultation with Women in Hadiths
One prominent example of consulting women is the story of the Hudaybiyyah Peace Treaty. In this incident, Hazrat Umar (MAPH) and some companions expressed dissatisfaction with the provisions of the peace agreement, which were apparently in favor of the polytheists. After signing the agreement, the Prophet (PBUH) ordered his Sahaba to sacrifice and shave their heads. However, despite repeating this order three times, none took action. The Prophet (PBUH) then went to Umm Salamah (MAPH) and recounted the incident. Umm Salamah (MAPH) advised him to sacrifice his camel and shave his head without consulting the Sahaba. The Prophet (PBUH) accepted this advice and acted accordingly. When the Sahaba saw that he (PBUH) had sacrificed and shaved, they also followed suit.
This narration, mentioned in Sahih Bukhari, not only evidences the legitimacy of consulting women but also indicates the permissibility of consulting them on matters beyond family concerns and related to the Islamic community and nation.
Additionally, in a hadith narrated by Imam Ahmad in his Musnad, the Prophet (PBUH) stated: “Consult women in matters concerning their daughters.” This hadith illustrates that consulting women regarding family matters and the fate of children is a recommended practice.
Reasons for Not Allowing Consultation with Women
Conversely, some narrations seem to indicate that consulting women is not permissible:
– Hadith of Abu Bakr (MAPH): The Prophet (PBUH) stated: “Never will people succeed who entrust their affairs to women.”
– Hadith of Zaid ibn Thabit: The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Following the opinion of women is a cause of regret.”
– Narration of Ayesha (MAPH): “Obedience to women is a cause of regret.”
– Narration of Abu Bakr (MAPH): “Men were destroyed because of following women.”
Conclusion and Summary
By summarizing the arguments for the permissibility and impermissibility of consulting with women, we can conclude that:
There is no religious prohibition against consulting with women and accepting their opinions on matters that concern them or on issues in which they possess greater expertise.
The narrations prohibiting consultation with women, assuming they reach the level of authenticity, refer to the delegation of all affairs and entrusting major leadership to women or requiring absolute obedience to them—not denying consultation in minor matters where women’s opinions are correct and expedient.
The authentic hadith stating, “A people will not succeed if they turn their affairs over to a woman,” pertains to the impermissibility of delegating general leadership to women, not the prohibition against consulting them in specific cases.
The constant presence of women in councils, along with mixing and violating the religious limits of hijab and engaging in activities necessitating frequent departures from home, raises additional issues, such as failure to uphold chastity and hijab.
By admin2
