What Does “Men Are the Caretakers of Women” in the Quran (4:34) Mean?
Answered by Shaykh Anas al-Musa
Question
What is the meaning of the verse [Quran, 4:34]: “Men are the caretakers of women.” (al-rijal qawwamun ‘ala al-nisa)?
Answer
The phrase “Men are the caretakers of women” means that the man is responsible for the woman. He is her leader, protector, and guardian, ensuring her well-being. He also has the authority to correct her if she goes astray. This responsibility includes providing protection and care, and he receives double the share of the inheritance compared to her because he is obligated to financially support her.
There are two primary reasons for man’s role of guardianship (qawwama):
One: Physical and Innate Capabilities
Men are generally created with more complete physical strength, stronger reasoning, and more balanced emotions, making them superior in terms of intellect, decision-making, determination, and strength.
Two: The Obligation of Financial Support
The man is required to provide for his wife, and the dowry (mahr) he gives symbolizes his honor and respect for her.
Finally, guardianship (qawwama) in Islam means that the man is tasked with managing the affairs of the family and home. It does not entail unjust dominance or oppression. [See: Zuhayli, al-Tafsir al-Munir]
May Allah bless the Prophet Muhammad and give him peace, and his Family and Companions.
[Shaykh] Anas al-Musa
Shaykh Anas al-Musa, born in Hama, Syria, in 1974, is an erudite scholar of notable repute. He graduated from the Engineering Institute in Damascus, where he specialized in General Construction, and Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Usul al-Din, where he specialized in Hadith.
He studied under prominent scholars in Damascus, including Shaykh Abdul Rahman al-Shaghouri and Shaykh Adib al-Kallas, among others. Shaykh Anas has memorized the Quran and is proficient in the ten Mutawatir recitations, having studied under Shaykh Bakri al-Tarabishi and Shaykh Mowfaq ‘Ayun. He also graduated from the Iraqi Hadith School.
He has taught numerous Islamic subjects at Shari‘a institutes in Syria and Turkey. Shaykh Anas has served as an Imam and preacher for over 15 years and is a teacher of the Quran in its various readings and narrations.
Currently, he works as a teacher at SeekersGuidance and is responsible for academic guidance there. He has completed his Master’s degree in Hadith and is now pursuing his Ph.D. in the same field. Shaykh Anas al-Musa is married and resides in Istanbul.
