Men are the Leaders in the Household

Fatwa of Sheikh Abu Abdillah Musthafa bin Al-‘Adawi

Question:

State the evidence that shows leadership (Qawamah) men compared to women, and also explain what it means Qawamah?

Answer:

The proof of this problem is the word of God Knocking,

Men are the guardians of women because Allah prefers some of them over others and what they spend from their wealth. So pious women are obedient and protect the unseen with what they guard. And those whose iniquity you fear, rebuke them, and leave them in your beds, and beat them; but if they obey you, do not seek your way from them. Indeed, God is Most High and Most Great

“Men are leaders for women, because Allah has preferred some of them (men) over others (women), and because they (men) have spent part of their wealth. Therefore, pious women are those who obey Allah and take care of themselves when their husbands are not around, because Allah has taken care of (them). The Most High and Most Glorious.” (QS. An-Nisa’: 34)

About the meaning of God’s word Story (which means), “Men are the leaders of women, because Allah has preferred some of them (men) over others (women), and because they (men) have spent part of their wealth”; Abu Ja’far Ath-Tabari God bless said,

“Men are women’s guardians.” Men are able to look after their women, discipline them, and carry out what is their duty to Allah and themselves. They are responsible for carrying out their affairs in whatever affairs God assigns to them

“(The word of God Story which means), “Men are leaders for women”; (meaning), men are responsible for their wives’ affairs: in educating (guiding) them, and enforcing what is obligatory upon them, both to fulfill Allah’s rights and the rights of their husbands.

(The word of God Story which means), “Because Allah has preferred some of them over others”; meaning: because Allah has given priority to men over their wives, including that men give them a dowry, support them with their wealth, and provide for their living needs. That is God’s form of excellence Story give it to men over women. For that reason, men become leaders and responsible for women, having authority in the matters that Allah entrusts to them regarding the affairs of wives.”

I (Sheikh Mustafa) said, “By contemplating the noble verse above, it is clear that men’s leadership over women is caused by two things:

First: because Allah gave men advantages over women in their creation and character (for example, physically, men are stronger than women, pent.).

Second: because men spend part of their wealth (to women).

From this second reason, it is clear that a woman who provides support for her husband means she has dissented qawamah husband. Therefore, we find that some career women, when they are at home, sometimes feel superior and dominate their husbands. It is not God’s intention to allow wives to feel superior to their husbands. However, we regret the reality that occurs in society, except for those that Allah gives them mercy.

Therefore, people who pay attention to this problem can see that women who do not work and are sufficient to take care of the household, they are more obedient to their husbands compared to career women who take on men’s roles and take over qawamah from the husband’s side, and many more nusyuz-her (disobedient to her husband). Wallahu ta’ala a’lam.

Also read: Islamic Guidance When Domestic Conflict Occurs

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@Unayzah, KSA; 8 Jumadil final 1447/ 28 November 2025

Translator: M. Saifudin Hakim

Article Muslim.or.id

Footnote:

Translated from Ahcamun Nikah is Zeaf. matter. 133-134.