Balance in Divine Design – Jamiatul Ulama KZN
اَلرِّجَالُ قَوَّامُونَ عَلَى النِّسَاءِ بِمَا فَضَّلَ اللَّهُ بَعْضَهُمْ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ وَبِمَا أَنفَقُوا مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ
“Men are the leaders of women, because Allah has granted some of them excellence over others, and because they spend of their wealth.” (Surah Nisaa v34)
In the preceding verses, Islam forbade all forms of injustice towards women — whether by denying them their rights or by treating them unfairly. The present verse now turns attention to outlining the rights and responsibilities of men.
The Arabic term qawwaam (plural: qawwaamoon) refers to a person who is a ruler, in charge of an affair and assumes responsibility over it, managing and ensuring its proper order.
Every organised system — whether a nation, a community or even a small household — requires someone to lead, take charge, resolve disputes and maintain order. Just as a state cannot function without leadership, the family too needs a responsible head. In His infinite wisdom, Allah Ta‘ala has placed this responsibility upon men, endowing them with certain natural qualities suited for this role — a reality evident to every fair-minded observer.
While this aayah clearly states that men have been made leaders and in charge of women, this does not mean that they have the right to act unjustly towards them.
Since there is a possibility that some may feel uneasy regarding this arrangement, Allah Ta‘ala has explained the wisdom behind it, citing two reasons. The first pertains to the divine wisdom of creation — beyond human control — and the second arises from human effort and responsibility.
The first reason is expressed in the words, “Because Allah has made some excel over others.” This distinction arises purely from the wisdom of the Creator. Just as Allah Ta‘ala has bestowed special honour upon certain places — such as designating the Ka’bah Musharrafah as His House and Qiblah for salaah, and granting sanctity to Baytul Maqdis — similarly, He has endowed men with certain natural strengths and capacities to shoulder responsibility. This is solely based on the wisdom of Allah Ta‘ala — the prerogative of the Creator alone.
The second reason is stated in the words, “And because they spend of their wealth.” Men are entrusted with the financial responsibility of maintaining the family — paying the mahr (dower) and covering all household expenses.
This reason also carries further implications. It clarifies that a man’s greater share in inheritance is not a privilege, but a duty-bound necessity. Since he is obliged to shoulder the financial burdens of the family, the double share allotted to him ultimately benefits women and children as well. Before marriage, a woman’s maintenance is the duty of her father; after marriage, it becomes the responsibility of her husband. In this way, the financial system of Islam safeguards her welfare and security throughout her life.
This reflects an important principle in the natural order of life. A woman has not been created to bear the harsh burdens of earning and labour. Her temperament and physical constitution have been fashioned for gentleness, nurturing and the continuity of human life. Out of His mercy, Allah Ta‘ala has shielded her from the rigours of worldly struggle, entrusting her with a dignified and indispensable role within the home — the upbringing of children and the preservation of the household tasks that no man can truly fulfil as she does.
(Adapted from Ma‘aariful Quraan vol. 2, pg. 394)
UswatulMuslimah
