Source: This article is derived from the book 500 Questions and Answers for Women based on the fatwas of the scholars of Haramain, translated by Hafiz Abdullah Saleem.
“Women are deficient in intellect and religion.”
This Hadith is frequently mentioned, and some people use it as a basis for mistreating women. We request a clarification regarding its meaning.
“I have not seen anyone more deficient in intellect and religion who can overpower the reasoning of a prudent man than one of you (women).”
It was asked:
“O Messenger of Allah, what is the deficiency in her intellect?”
He replied:
“Is it not that the testimony of two women is equal to the testimony of one man?”
Then it was asked:
“What is the deficiency in her religion?”
He replied:
“Is it not that when she menstruates, she neither prays nor fasts?”
(Reported by Al-Bukhari 1/83 and Adh-Dhahabi 20)
Women have excelled in countless aspects of life, including righteousness, piety, and leadership. The deficiencies mentioned in this Hadith are context-specific and do not define a woman’s overall worth or capabilities.
The Question:
The Hadith states:“Women are deficient in intellect and religion.”
This Hadith is frequently mentioned, and some people use it as a basis for mistreating women. We request a clarification regarding its meaning.
The Answer:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:“I have not seen anyone more deficient in intellect and religion who can overpower the reasoning of a prudent man than one of you (women).”
It was asked:
“O Messenger of Allah, what is the deficiency in her intellect?”
He replied:
“Is it not that the testimony of two women is equal to the testimony of one man?”
Then it was asked:
“What is the deficiency in her religion?”
He replied:
“Is it not that when she menstruates, she neither prays nor fasts?”
(Reported by Al-Bukhari 1/83 and Adh-Dhahabi 20)
Understanding the Hadith
The Prophet (ﷺ) himself explained the meaning of this Hadith:- Deficiency in Intellect:
- This refers to the fact that a woman's testimony is considered half of a man's testimony in certain circumstances, as mentioned in the Qur'an:
“...and bring two witnesses from among your men. And if there are not two men [available], then a man and two women from those whom you accept as witnesses...” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:282) - This is due to women potentially being more susceptible to forgetfulness, as indicated by the Qur'an. The wisdom behind this ruling is that combining the testimony of two women ensures accuracy and reliability in cases where they might err or forget.
- This refers to the fact that a woman's testimony is considered half of a man's testimony in certain circumstances, as mentioned in the Qur'an:
- Deficiency in Religion:
- This is related to the natural biological processes of menstruation and postpartum bleeding. During these times, women are exempted from offering prayers and fasting.
- However, this exemption is not a flaw or a punishable shortcoming; rather, it is a concession and ease granted by Allah to women due to their physical state.
- Women are required to make up missed fasts but are not required to make up missed prayers, as doing so would be burdensome due to their frequency.
Clarifications and Context
- Not a Universal Deficiency:
This Hadith does not imply that women are deficient in every aspect or inferior to men in all matters. The Prophet (ﷺ) clearly specified that the deficiency pertains to two specific areas: testimony and religious obligations during certain periods. - Superiority in Other Aspects:
Women can surpass men in intellect, piety, and other virtues. Many women in Islamic history have excelled in knowledge, leadership, and righteousness. For example, women like Aisha (رضي الله عنها) and others were recognized for their remarkable intellect and contributions to Islamic scholarship. - Wisdom Behind These Rulings:
- Exempting women from Salah and fasting during menstruation and postpartum bleeding is a mercy from Allah. Fasting could harm their health, and the requirement to make up daily prayers would cause undue hardship.
- These rulings are based on practicality and compassion rather than a reflection of inherent inferiority.
- Gender Roles and Responsibility:
The Qur'an establishes that men and women have distinct roles but does not deem one gender universally superior to the other:
“Men are the protectors and maintainers of women because Allah has given one more strength than the other, and because they support them from their means...” (Surah An-Nisa 4:34)
Balance and Justice:
It is crucial for believers to interpret this Hadith with fairness and wisdom, avoiding unwarranted generalizations. Misusing this Hadith to demean women or justify mistreatment is contrary to the teachings of the Prophet (ﷺ).Women have excelled in countless aspects of life, including righteousness, piety, and leadership. The deficiencies mentioned in this Hadith are context-specific and do not define a woman’s overall worth or capabilities.