❖ Male Guardianship in Islam (قوامیت)
In order to structure and stabilize the family system, Islam has granted a specific superiority to men, referring to them as “Qawwām” in the Qur’ān. This designation implies that men and women do not share equal authority within the household, as a family—being an administrative unit—cannot logically operate under the equal leadership of two individuals.
✿ Concept of Leadership within the Family
Just like no institution in the world can function effectively under two equal leaders, Islam has granted men a legally and practically superior position within the family, ensuring the smooth fulfillment of familial duties and responsibilities.
✿ Qur’ānic Basis for Male Superiority
"الرِّجَالُ قَوَّامُونَ عَلَى النِّسَاءِ بِمَا فَضَّلَ اللَّهُ بَعْضَهُمْ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ وَبِمَا أَنفَقُوا مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ"
[An-Nisāʾ: 34]
“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 wealth.”
✿ Meaning and Explanation of “Qawwām”
In Arabic, “Qawwām” refers to a caretaker, overseer, and financial provider. Explaining this term, Mawlānā Syed Abul Aʿlā Mawdūdī (raḥimahullāh) writes:
“Qawwām is the one who assumes responsibility for managing the affairs of an individual, institution, or system, and fulfills their needs.”
(Tafhīm al-Qurʾān, 1/349)
✿ Two Foundational Reasons for Qawwāmiyyah
The Qur’ān outlines two key reasons for granting men the role of Qawwām:
① Divine (Wahbī) Superiority:
Men have been endowed by Allah with a natural superiority in certain areas.
② Acquired (Kasbī) Superiority:
Men spend their wealth in supporting women, assuming financial responsibility.
✿ Clarification of Wahbī Superiority
According to Mawlānā Mawdūdī (raḥimahullāh):
“This superiority is not in terms of honor or dignity, but due to inherent qualities. Men have been granted physical, intellectual, and practical strengths, which make them suitable for leadership within the family.”
(Tafhīm al-Qurʾān, 1/349)
ʿAllāmah Rashīd Riḍā further elaborates that men and women are like different organs of the same body, each essential and supportive of the other.
✿ Explanation of Kasbī Superiority
As the Qur’ān states:
"وَبِمَا أَنْفَقُوا مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ"
“And because they spend (to support women) from their wealth.”
Islam has placed the financial responsibility of the household upon the man, while the woman is exempt from this duty. This financial obligation gives men a position of leadership in the family structure.
✿ General Principle and Exceptional Cases
Mawlānā Syed Jalāluddīn ʿUmrī explains that the Qur’ān establishes male guardianship as a general rule. Even in exceptional cases—where a woman may be financially supporting the family or is physically stronger—male leadership remains intact to preserve balance in the family system.
✿ Male Guardianship: A Guardian, Not a Tyrant
The Islamic concept of male leadership is not one of domination or dictatorship, but rather of guardianship and responsibility. The role of the man is to ensure the welfare, protection, and care of all family members. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“A man is a shepherd over the members of his household, and he will be questioned about his responsibility.”
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Kitāb al-Aḥkām, 7137; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, Kitāb al-Imārah, 1829)
Shaykh Muḥammad ʿAbduh stated:
“Qawwāmiyyah refers to a leadership in which subordinates retain their own rights. A Qawwām uses his authority solely for guidance and supervision.”
(Tafsīr al-Manār, 5/68)
✿ Emphasis on Kind Treatment of Women
Islam strongly urges men to treat women with kindness and respect:
"وَعَاشِرُوهُنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ"
[An-Nisāʾ: 19]
“Live with them in kindness.”
The Prophet ﷺ also said:
“The most precious treasure of this world is a righteous woman.”
(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, Kitāb al-Raḍāʿ, 1467)
Conclusion
Islam has granted men the role of Qawwām to ensure the strength and structure of the family unit. However, this privilege comes with serious responsibilities—men must treat their families with compassion, love, and fairness, and safeguard the rights of those under their care.
