Question:

Answer:

In a Sahih Hadith the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: "Never will that nation gain success that puts a woman in authority over them." Political life is also not suited for a Muslim woman, as it will necessarily affect her Deen and family life. This does not mean women are inferior or that they have no role in decision making.

Islamically, the voice of women, especially the intelligent amongst them should always be heard and they should be given an opportunity for consultation. The Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) would himself consult with women as did the companions in all spheres of activity. It is a well known story in Islamic History, that on an occassion, the leader of the Muslims, Umar r.a., sought to initiate a new law in relation to the dowry. As he spoke in the Masjid, a Muslim woman checked him saying that he had no right to stipulate the amount a woman could demand as her dowry as Allah taala had Himself given this right to the women. Umar r.a. not only listened to the woman's words but annouced straight after she finished speaking: "The lady has spoken correctly and Umar is in the wrong." This then is the general rule, that is Muslim women should not aspire for such posts and their role is as a mother and a wife. This in itself is, despite what the superficial media, may make one think of the utmost importance. For, a nation will only be great if it has secure and healthy homes with great women raising in them great and noble people, instilling in them the characteristics of the fear of Allah taala, honesty, virtue and bravery.

Finally, it should be added, though this is the general rule, the Shariah does not say that a woman is under no circumstances able to take on a role as a councillor or MP. Rather, sometimes the circumstances in a situation are such that, just as the unlawful becomes permitted for the starving person, so too, can it be acceptable for a woman to take on such a role.

Mufti Mohammed Sajjad

Wallahu Aalam bis-sawab

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The answer to this question is the opinion of the scholar and does not reflect the opinion of other scholars of As-Suffa Institute and As-Suffa Institute as an organisation.