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Offline Reader Questions

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Are Men 'Maintainer's' of Women? (Qawwamun)?
« on: June 29, 2012, 08:00:34 AM »
Salam br. Joseph.

Some say "qawwamun" is a difficult word to translate but rather than 'maintainers or protectors' means moral guidance and caring. It does not mean that men are superior to women in strength or reason, therefore qawwamun cannot mean 'maintainers' or 'protectors'. What is your view? Thanks

Offline Joseph Islam

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Re: Are Men 'Maintainer's' of Women? (Qawwamun)?
« Reply #1 on: June 29, 2012, 08:02:57 AM »
Salamun Alaikum,

If we read 4:34 alongside verse 2:228, the Quran clearly says women and men have similar rights (mithlu - like manner), but men have a degree above them (darja). This is clearly about rights, responsibilities, maintenance and management. This is not about any particular superiority of intellectual faculty. These are clearly defined responsibilities as defined by the Creator of the Universe.

This can be further seen in the matter of divorce, where men have been tasked with certain enhanced responsibilities both financially and in the manner they conduct their affairs. This is clear to anyone who puts all the divorce related verses together and scrutinises them.

If the primary right of a man to maintain and support a family is admitted as a Quranic directive, then 4:34 'qawamun' is clearly understood. There is no ambiguity unless someone wants to derive an alternate interpretation because it does not fit with respect to their worldview.

The word 'Qawwam' can also be noted in 4:135 when it is said ' be securers / maintainers / managers / of justice'. It is clear what the word means to the Arabs.

In context of 4:34, 'Qawwamun' clearly refers to the primary responsibility of maintenance and financial support that the male has been tasked with. This is further supported by the narrative  "...and because they spend from their wealth (wabima anfaqu min amwalihim)" (4:34). What the 'ba'dahum ala ba'din' (some of them over others) possibly means here is open to endless debates. It certainly is not about wealth as this is covered separately with the conjunction 'wa' (and). However it certainly has nothing to do with intellect either. I feel the statement is intentionally non-committal.

The Quran acknowledges a woman's right to earn (4:32). However the primary responsibility of financial maintenance and support lies with the male and clear verses of the Quran supports this in my humble opinion.

I hope that helps, God willing.
Joseph.

'During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act' 
George Orwell