In the Western world, there is a concept of equality of all genders and no one accepts the hegemony of the other in day to day matters of life, specially in case of marriage. Islam on the other hands lays down explicit delineation of responsibilities for both men and women and treats them equal in many ways. Like for instance, unlike the perception prevailing in the West that women are oppressed in Islam, the women in Islam have been given an exclusive status and have the right to inherit property (something that was un heard of at the time of beginning of Islam and was even laughed at by followers of other religions. In Christianity, the right to inheritance came many centuries later. Women in Islam can do business and can even choose their own spouse. Though, it is a different thing that many a illiterate Muslims or those who are still bounded by old traditions find such "freedom" to women tangent to their family traditions.
With this premise in background, we share today the 34th verse of Surah 4. An Nisa, which is mostly misunderstood and is labelled as unjust for it infringes upon the concept of equality practiced by the West:
اَلرِّجَالُ قَوَّامُوۡنَ عَلَى النِّسَآءِ بِمَا فَضَّلَ اللّٰهُ بَعۡضَهُمۡ عَلٰى بَعۡضٍ وَّبِمَاۤ اَنۡفَقُوۡا مِنۡ اَمۡوَالِهِمۡ ؕ فَالصّٰلِحٰتُ قٰنِتٰتٌ حٰفِظٰتٌ لِّلۡغَيۡبِ بِمَا حَفِظَ اللّٰهُ ؕ وَالّٰتِىۡ تَخَافُوۡنَ نُشُوۡزَهُنَّ فَعِظُوۡهُنَّ وَاهۡجُرُوۡهُنَّ فِى الۡمَضَاجِعِ وَاضۡرِبُوۡهُنَّ ۚ فَاِنۡ اَطَعۡنَكُمۡ فَلَا تَبۡغُوۡا عَلَيۡهِنَّ سَبِيۡلًا ؕاِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ عَلِيًّا كَبِيۡرًا
(4:34) Men are the protectors and maintainers of women because Allah has made one of them excel over the other, and because they spend out of their possessions (to support them). Thus righteous women are obedient and guard the rights of men in their absence under Allah's protection. As for women of whom you fear rebellion, admonish them, and remain apart from them in beds, and beat them. Then if they obey you, do not seek ways to harm them. Allah is Exalted, Great.
The verse is often misunderstood within the context of family structure in Islamic tradition. We have already shared the viewpoint of some of the eminent Muslim scholars / exegetes in one of our earlier posts when presenting the Tafsir / exegesis of Surah An. Nisa. Readers my consult the explanation / interpretation of the verse at: Surah An Nisa: 4th Chapter of Qur'an (Part I)
We today share the interpretation of this verse, followed by a very enlightening interpretation of the verse at the end f the post by one of the eminent Muslim scholars of present times.
The term "Qawwamoon (قَوَّامُوۡنَ)" (translated as protectors or maintainers) refers to the responsibility men have in providing for and protecting their wives and families. This is because, in Islamic law, men are generally responsible for the financial upkeep of the family. This includes their wives' needs, housing, food, and clothing. In this regard, qawwamah signifies a role of leadership within the family, but it also implies responsibility and care.
The verse makes it clear that one of the reasons men are designated as "maintainers" is because they spend their wealth for the benefit of their wives. In Islam, men are expected to provide for their family financially, and this is a crucial part of their role.
The mere mention of "Men are the protectors and maintainers of women because Allah has made one of them excel over the other" is often taken by some of the critics of Islam and proponent of gender equality is taken in the negative and is interpreted as women being slaves or subservient of men, and their husbands as in this case. But every verse of Qur'an should be taken with reference to the context and the mere fact that these are the directions of of our Creator cannot be wrong or usurping the rights of women.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, "The best of you are those who are the best to their wives." (Tirmidhi). This hadith emphasizes that while men have been given the responsibility of provision and maintenance, they must do so with kindness and respect.
In fact, this verse places a heavy responsibility on men to take care of their women. This is not only a responsibility but a heavy burden on them for after marriage men have to fulfill all needs of their wives and cannot absolve themselves from this responsibility. Even if the wife is earning some money or getting income from somewhere, men cannot ask their wives to share the income of their wives to run the households. It is their money and it is up to them to use that whether to assist their husbands in running the households or on themselves.
To summarize the concept of men being the "maintainers" or "protectors" of women is closely tied to the broader Islamic principle of mutual rights and responsibilities within marriage. It emphasizes that men are entrusted with the financial and protective duties toward their wives, but this is not an authoritarian role. Instead, it comes with the expectation of kindness, care, and respect, ensuring that the husband fulfills his obligations in a just and responsible manner.
The reference to "because Allah has made one of them to excel over the other" refers to the natural differences in physical and social roles. Men have been assigned the responsibility of financial provision, while women have been assigned the role of managing the household and, in many cases, the nurturing of children. It does not imply superiority of men over women but rather assigns roles based on the natural capacities of each.
I found this photo on internet (without reference to its source) - I am sharing as says it all as for superiority of man over woman
This is the first part of the verse.
In the second verse, women are also admonished to be faithful to their husbands and if they do not obey them their are penalties placed on them and men are allowed to make sure that if they have fulfilled all their obligations towards their wives and they are still unfaithful then they must be properly administered by gradually schooling them. We will share this part in one of our next posts.
We now share an incredible explanation of this verse by one of the most eminent scholars of present times, Nouman Ali Khan. In this enlightening khutbah, Nouman Ali Khan delves into the misunderstood Quranic verse 4:34, often misinterpreted as the "Ayah of hitting women." He unpacks its true meaning, focusing on the Quran’s emphasis on care, responsibility, and mutual respect in marital relationships.
Highlighting the concept of men as maintainers and the spiritual and moral roles of women, he addresses misconceptions and provides a balanced understanding of the verse. Drawing from the Prophet Muhammad's example, the khutbah serves as a reminder to embody kindness, justice, and harmony within family dynamics, aligning personal actions with the teachings of the Quran.:
About Nouman Ali Khan: Born to a Pakistani family, Nouman Ali Khan is an American Muslim speaker and Arabic instructor who founded the Bayyinah Institute for Arabic and Qur’anic Studies, after serving as an instructor of Arabic at Nassau Community College. He has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre of Jordan.
Let us listen to this video again and again and really understand how Allah wants us to be His servants and how we should always be looking towards him, and no one else, for our worldly needs. If we can really Ingrid the meaning of this verse into ourselves, we will never go astray or be misled by worldly desires or following the priests and imams or asking from the dead saints.
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 to convey only 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.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the video above are those of the scholar concerned. We have shared this view as added information in better understanding of Islam. The reader may or may not agree with the view owing to their own perception. 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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