Before we share the Hadith and the Prophetic Advice, let it be mentioned that this hadith has been the subject of considerable discussion and interpretation. Thus it is essential to approach it within the broader context of Islamic teachings and the social context of the time. The statements of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in this hadith are not meant to degrade women but rather to highlight certain religious and legal rulings and to encourage self-reflection, especially in terms of gratitude, charity, and behavior.
The Hadith is mentioned in Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī (Book 6 Menstrual Periods كتاب الحيض/ Chapter 6: A menstruating women should leave observing Saum (fasting) باب تَرْكِ الْحَائِضِ الصَّوْمَ) as Hadith 304 and also found in Jami` at-Tirmidhi (Book # 40 The Book on Faith كتاب الإيمان عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم/ Chapter # 6 Regarding the Completion of Faith, Its Increasing And Decreasing باب مَا جَاءَ فِي اسْتِكْمَالِ الإِيمَانِ وَزِيَادَتِهِ وَنُقْصَانِهِ ) as Hadith number # 2613:
Narrated by Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri:
حَدَّثَنَا سَعِيدُ بْنُ أَبِي مَرْيَمَ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ جَعْفَرٍ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي زَيْدٌ ـ هُوَ ابْنُ أَسْلَمَ ـ عَنْ عِيَاضِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ، قَالَ خَرَجَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فِي أَضْحًى ـ أَوْ فِطْرٍ ـ إِلَى الْمُصَلَّى، فَمَرَّ عَلَى النِّسَاءِ فَقَالَ " يَا مَعْشَرَ النِّسَاءِ تَصَدَّقْنَ، فَإِنِّي أُرِيتُكُنَّ أَكْثَرَ أَهْلِ النَّارِ ". فَقُلْنَ وَبِمَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ قَالَ " تُكْثِرْنَ اللَّعْنَ، وَتَكْفُرْنَ الْعَشِيرَ، مَا رَأَيْتُ مِنْ نَاقِصَاتِ عَقْلٍ وَدِينٍ أَذْهَبَ لِلُبِّ الرَّجُلِ الْحَازِمِ مِنْ إِحْدَاكُنَّ ". قُلْنَ وَمَا نُقْصَانُ دِينِنَا وَعَقْلِنَا يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ قَالَ " أَلَيْسَ شَهَادَةُ الْمَرْأَةِ مِثْلَ نِصْفِ شَهَادَةِ الرَّجُلِ ". قُلْنَ بَلَى. قَالَ " فَذَلِكَ مِنْ نُقْصَانِ عَقْلِهَا، أَلَيْسَ إِذَا حَاضَتْ لَمْ تُصَلِّ وَلَمْ تَصُمْ ". قُلْنَ بَلَى. قَالَ " فَذَلِكَ مِنْ نُقْصَانِ دِينِهَا ".
Once Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) went out to the Musalla (to offer the prayer) of `Id-al-Adha or Al-Fitr prayer. Then he passed by the women and said, "O women! Give alms, as I have seen that the majority of the dwellers of Hell-fire were you (women)." They asked, "Why is it so, O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)?" He replied, "You curse frequently and are ungrateful to your husbands. I have not seen anyone more deficient in intelligence and religion than you. A cautious sensible man could be led astray by some of you." The women asked, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! What is deficient in our intelligence and religion?" He said, "Is not the evidence of two women equal to the witness of one man?" They replied in the affirmative. He said, "This is the deficiency in her intelligence. Isn't it true that a woman can neither pray nor fast during her menses?" The women replied in the affirmative. He said, "This is the deficiency in her religion."
Explanation of Key Points in the Hadith
- "Majority of the Dwellers of Hell are Women":
- This part of the hadith can be understood as a warning to women, emphasizing the importance of rectifying common behavioral tendencies such as cursing and being ungrateful. It is not a condemnation of all women but rather a call for moral and spiritual improvement.
- In Islam, both men and women are individually accountable for their deeds, and everyone is encouraged to seek forgiveness and righteousness. Other hadith emphasize that the majority of the dwellers of Paradise are women, showing that spiritual standing is based on deeds, not gender.
- Frequent Cursing and Ingratitude to Husbands:
- The Prophet ﷺ points out two specific behaviors that can be spiritually harmful: excessive cursing and ingratitude, particularly within marital relationships. Gratitude and good character are highly emphasized in Islam for both men and women, and marriage is seen as a relationship of mutual respect and responsibility.
- This criticism should be seen in the context of encouraging improvement in character and behavior. Islam teaches that husbands and wives should treat each other with kindness and gratitude (Qur'an, Surah An-Nisa 4:19), and both genders are called to good conduct.
- "Deficiency in Intelligence" – Reference to Testimony:
- The Prophet ﷺ refers to the legal rule in Islamic law (fiqh) that in certain financial or legal matters, the testimony of two women is required to equal that of one man (Qur'an, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:282). This is often understood in the context of social realities at the time, where women generally had less exposure to financial and legal dealings.
- The "deficiency" in intelligence mentioned here is not a statement about women’s overall intellectual capacity but refers to specific contexts where women’s testimony is weighed differently due to the conditions of that era. Many scholars explain that this ruling reflects practical considerations and does not imply inherent inferiority.
- "Deficiency in Religion" – Reference to Menstruation:
- During menstruation, women are exempt from performing certain acts of worship, such as prayer and fasting (Qur'an, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:222). This exemption is seen as a concession, not a sign of spiritual deficiency. The Prophet ﷺ describes it as "deficiency in religion" in the sense that women have fewer opportunities for ritual acts of worship during that time.
- Importantly, this "deficiency" is not a moral or spiritual flaw, but a recognition of the physical limitations during menstruation, for which women are not held accountable. Their spirituality and faith are assessed by their overall deeds, intentions, and actions, not by temporary exemptions from prayer or fasting.
Broader Context in the Qur'an and Sunnah
- Equality in Spiritual Responsibility:
- The Qur'an emphasizes that men and women are spiritually equal and will be judged based on their actions, not their gender. In Surah Al-Ahzab (33:35), Allah says: "Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women...for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward."
- This reinforces that the hadith should be understood within a larger framework of equality, where both men and women are encouraged to strive for righteousness.
- Encouragement of Charity: The Prophet ﷺ encourages the women to give alms (Sadaqah) as a way to atone for sins and seek nearness to Allah. Charity is one of the most important acts in Islam, and women are being reminded of its spiritual benefits.
This hadith is not meant to diminish women but serves as a reminder for all to reflect on their behavior, give charity, and strive for self-improvement. The references to "deficiency" are contextual and should be understood in the light of specific rulings related to testimony and menstruation, not as a general comment on women's worth or capabilities. The Qur'an and other hadiths make it clear that both men and women are fully capable of attaining spiritual excellence and are judged by their faith, intentions, and actions.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
Please refer to our reference page: Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ related to Muslim Women for more Hadiths on the status of women in Islam.
Please refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.
Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given below. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.
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