Islam on Marital Rights — Page 10
10 ". ISLAM ON MARITAL RIGHTS ". . . The men have a rank above them (women). And Allah is Mighty, Wise. ” (2:220). Basically, there is no distinction between the status of man and woman, but for practical purposes and for the smooth running of family affairs, men have been allowed a degree of superiority over women. But this superiority is like that of a magistrate who, being a man, is equal to all other human beings. . Yet in the capacity of a judge he tries cases, gives judgments and decrees punishments. No other man has the right to do so. But the judge, while sitting in the court, exercises that authority over his fellow beings. Women in Islam enjoy equal rights in the social field and in matters of religion. But for the smooth running of family life, man has been made the head of the household and in that sense placed above the women. If that distinction were not there, discord and perpetual bickering in family life were bound to follow. Peace in the family can be ensured only when a family has a head with some authority to control. For that reason and in that sense men have been granted authority over women. . In the verse under reference, God has mentioned the attributes of His Might and Wisdom. The reference to His Might implies a reminder to men that they must always remember that all power belongs to Allah Who is Mighty and may punish them if they abuse their authority and ill-treat their wives. On the other hand the minds of women are set at ease by saying that since God Almighty is also Wise, there is a sound reason behind the distinction accorded to men. The reason is to ensure peace in the family. This point is discussed in the verse quoted in the beginning of this discourse. God says: "Men are guardians over women because Allah has made some of them excel others and because they (men) spend (on them) of their wealth. . . " (4:35). It has been said that the Arabic word qawwaam (guardian) in the above verse means 'ruler' or 'governor'. This is not correct. . The word qawwaamoon is the plural of qawwam which is derived from qaama, meaning he stood'. If we say qaama alaihi, it would mean that he tended or took care of a certain thing or person. . Qama bil yateem would mean that he undertook the maintenance