Title: Women’s Role in Politics… Question: There are certain Muslim Scholars, and I must say some very elegant ones of their time like Maulana Maududi, who are strongly opposed to the participation of women in politics. The evidence they give in their argument is the following cited verse: Men are in charge of women, because Allah hath made the one of them to excel the other, and because they spend of their property (for the support of women). So good women are the obedient, guarding in secret that which Allah hath guarded. As for those from whom ye fear rebellion, admonish them and banish them to beds apart, and scourge them. Then if they obey you, seek not a way against them. Lo! Allah is ever High, Exalted, Great. ( Al-Nisaa 4:32) Also they refer to the saying of Holy prophet when the news came to him that the people in Iran had given their authority to a lady that "that nation will never get prosperous who give their authority in the hands of a lady". Now, is their argument right and the above cited verse and Hadith support it, and that no role has been envisaged in Islam for women in politics? Also, explain it considering other professions and other fields of life too, as what writings of Maulana Maududi suggest is, is only a role like of a house-wife for the Muslim women. Regards, Farooq Ahmed Answer: The cited verse of the Qur'an is not related to the social or socio-political role of women, but is related specifically to the mutual roles and positions of men and women - in the particular capacities of husbands and wives - in the family structure. The verse does not relate to any other situation. As for the narrative ascribed to the Prophet (pbuh), it seems to be a narration of the Prophet's personal observation rather than a directive of religion. The narrative really implies that the Prophet (pbuh) considered women to be, generally, less suitable for positions of leading their nations. This opinion is based on the study of the general psyche of women as well as their socio-cultural position at the time. As I understand it, Islam does not hinder women from pursuing the careers of their choice, as there is nothing in the Shari`ah , which expressly prohibits such pursuance. I hope this helps. Regards, Moiz Amjad November 2, 2001