Islam, since its inception, has given women a significant status, granting them rights and responsibilities within the community. While the classical understanding of certain leadership roles has often been interpreted as being primarily for men, a closer examination of the Qur’an and Hadith reveals certain instances of women actively participating in decision-making and holding positions of authority, power and influence. This article aims to shed light on these aspects, drawing directly from Qur’an and Hadith.
Participation in Consultation (Shooraa):
The Quran stresses on the importance of consultation (Shooraa) in decision-making. Surah Ash-Shuraa describes the believers as those:
“who conduct their affairs by mutual consultation.” (Quran:42:38)
This verse, if generally applied, includes both men and women. Historical accounts and interpretations suggest that women in the early Islamic community too were consulted on various matters.
Furthermore, the Quran recounts the story of the Queen of Saba (Bilqees) in Surah An-Naml in these words:
“She (the queen) said (to her officials after receiving the letter), “chieftains, there has been delivered to me an esteemed letter. It is from Sulaiman (Alayhis Salaam) and it is (in the following words:) “In the name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Very-Merciful. Do not rebel against me and come to me in submission”. She said, “chieftains, advise me in the matter I have (before me). I am not the one who decides a matter absolutely unless you are present with me”. They said, “We are powerful and tough fighters, and the decision lies with you; so consider what command you should give.” (Quran 27:29-33)
Her leadership of people of Saba and her wise decision-making, including consulting her council before responding to Prophet Sulaiman (Alayhis Salaam), are presented without any explicit condemnation, implying an acceptance of her leadership role within her own context.
Women in the Hadith and Early Islamic History:
The Hadith literature provides numerous examples of women who possessed knowledge, offered counsel, and even played pivotal roles during the Prophet Muhammad’s (Salla Allahu Alayhi Wa Aalihi Wasallam) lifetime and the early Islamic era.
- Hazrat Khadijah binte Khuwaylid (Radhi Allahu Anha): Umm ul Momineen Hazrat Khadijah (Radhi Allahu Anha), is the most explicit example of a woman who played a crucial role in supporting the newly emerging Islamic movement. She was a successful businesswoman and her financial support was instrumental in the early days of Islam. Her unwavering faith and counsel provided immense strength to the Prophet (Salla Allahu Alayhi Wa Aalihi Wasallam). While not a formal political leader, her influence and her role in a critical period highlight the importance of women’s contributions.
- Hazrat Aisha binte Abi Bakr (Radhi Allahu Anha): Umm ul Momineen Hazrat Aisha (Radhi Allahu Anha), is the most renowned female scholar of Hadith and Islamic jurisprudence. Many narrations of the Prophet’s (Salla Allahu Alayhi Wa Aalihi Wasallam) sayings and actions are attributed to her. Her knowledge was highly respected, and she was consulted on matters of religious law by both men and women. After the Prophet’s (Salla Allahu Alayhi Wa Aalihi Wasallam) death, she continued to be a leading authority, offering her opinions and interpretations on various issues. Ibn Abu Mulaika narrated:
“Whenever Aisha (Radhi Allahu Anha) heard anything which she did not understand, she used to ask again till she understood it completely. Aisha (Radhi Allahu Anha) said: “Once the Prophet (Salla Allahu Alayhi Wa Aalihi Wasallam) said, ‘Whoever will be called to account (about his deeds on the Day of Resurrection) will surely be punished.’ I said, ‘Doesn’t Allah say: “He surely will receive an easy reckoning.” (Qur’an 84:8)’ The Prophet (Salla Allahu Alayhi Wa Aalihi Wasallam) replied, ‘This means only the presentation of the accounts; but whoever will be argued about his account, will certainly be ruined.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Knowledge, Hadith 103)
This hadith shows Hazrat Aisha’s (Radhi Allahu Anha) deep understanding and her eagerness to seek knowledge directly from the Prophet (Salla Allahu Alayhi Wa Aalihi Wasallam).
Even her participation in the Battle of Jamal is a complex historical event with differing interpretations by Muslim scholars, but it undeniably showcases her active involvement in significant affairs of the early Muslim community.
- Hazrat Umme Salama (Radhi Allahu Anha): Another Umm ul Momineen Hazrat Umme Salama (Radhi Allahu Anha), the first Muslim female to migrate to Madinah, is known for her wise counsel during the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. When the Prophet (Salla Allahu Alayhi Wa Aalihi Wasallam) instructed the companions to shave their heads and sacrifice their animals, they hesitated. Umm Salama (Radhi Allahu Anha) advised the Prophet to lead by example, which He did, and the companions followed suit. This incident highlights her insightful decision-making and the Prophet’s (Salla Allahu Alayhi Wa Aalihi Wasallam) acceptance of her counsel.
Interpretations and Contemporary Context:
Classical Islamic scholars have different views on women holding formal positions of political leadership, particularly at the highest levels. Some interpretations of specific Hadith, such as the one narrated by Abu Bakar (Radhi Allahu Anhu), concerning the Persians appointing a woman as their queen, have been used to argue against women holding such positions. However, other scholars argue that these narrations should be understood within their own historical and social contexts.
Contemporary Muslim scholars are increasingly re-examining these texts and historical precedents, considering the evolving roles of women in modern society. They emphasize the Quranic principles of justice, equality, and the importance of utilizing the talents and capabilities of all members of the community, regardless of gender. They point to the examples of women’s active participation in various fields, including education, medicine, law, and business, as evidence of their capacity for leadership and decision-making.
Conclusion:
While the interpretation of specific texts regarding formal political leadership for women remains a subject of scholarly discussion, the Qur’an and Hadith undeniably highlight the significant role women played in consultation, knowledge transmission, and influential decision-making in the early Islamic community. The examples of Hazrat Khadijah (Radhi Allahu Anha), Hazrat Aisha (Radhi Allahu Anha), and Hazrat Umme Salama (Radhi Allahu Anha) demonstrate their intellectual proficiency and expertise, insightful counsel, and active participation in shaping the course of early Islam. As Muslim societies continue to evolve, a nuanced understanding of these instances, coupled with the recognition of women’s capabilities, paves the way for greater inclusivity and the utilization of their talents in all spheres of life, including leadership and decision-making.
