Unfortunately, today, the high values of women have been gradually trampled under the pretext of progress and advancement. Instead of being honored in society, they are insulted. Those who talk about enlightenment and progress often say: “In Islam, women are covered in veils and imprisoned within the four walls of the house. As a result, they have lagged behind the caravan of knowledge and progress.” They also argue: “If Islam considers men and women to be equal in rights, why does it judge in favor of men in some cases and under particular circumstances? Why is divorce placed in the hands of men? Why has Islam not legislated polygamy for women?” Furthermore, they ask: “Why has Islam made men the guardians of women, while every honorable human being—regardless of being male or female, white or black, subject to any country or religion—should be free? Forcing a woman to wear a hijab is a disregard for her right to freedom and an insult to her human dignity.” They have also raised objections about the dowry that Islam obliges the husband to provide at the time of marriage.
1. Why have men been made the guardians of women?
Men’s guardianship over women is based on a specific rule and order dictated by societal context, intended to establish and maintain family unity and social stability. The nature of men is such that they are suitable for this guardianship because they are often physically and mentally stronger than women when it comes to facing life’s challenges and accepting responsibility. As Allah Almighty states: «الرِّجَالُ قَوَّامُونَ عَلَى النِّسَاءِ بِمَا فَضَّلَ اللَّهُ بَعْضَهُمْ عَلَى بَعْضٍ وَبِمَا أَنْفَقُوا مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ» Translation: “Men are the guardians of women because Allah has preferred some of them over others and because they spend out of their wealth.”
Allamah Ibn Kasir (may Allah have mercy on him) explained this verse by saying: “The man is the leader and the ruler; if the woman deviates, the man can discipline her. This is because men are superior to women in many areas. Therefore, Allah Almighty has assigned prophethood exclusively to men, making it appropriate for them to be the guardians of women, as Allah states: «وللرجال علیهن درجة» “And men are superior to women.”
Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani states: “If a person examines the creation, nature, strength, talent, and competence of men and women, and reflects rationally, he will conclude that men are better equipped to handle the responsibilities of married life. Allah Almighty has not endowed women with the strength and competence for the significant responsibilities given to men.”
In Islam, leadership is synonymous with service. The term Allah Almighty used in the Quran is “Qawam,” as opposed to terms like “emir,” “ruler,” or “king.”
“Qawam” refers to a person responsible for various matters, and the essence of this responsibility implies that he will generally determine the guiding principles and interests of life, shaping his life according to those principles. Qawam does not imply a male master and a female slave but rather indicates a relationship between a leader and an agent, a ruler and a subject. The Islamic concept of leadership does not equate to one who sits on a throne and exercises rule.
The Islamic ideal of a leader is captured in the saying of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him): “The leader of the people is the servant of the people.”
From the perspective of the Quran and Hadith, a leader is defined as someone who serves the people; he executes the orders and decrees that hold legal validity and value, all in order to promote the welfare and benevolence of the people. As such, the people obey him voluntarily, without question.
