The Status of Woman as an Authority in The Light of Islamic Jurisprudence

Abstract

Allah (S.W.T) has determined the importance of each thing, whether living or nonliving in the universe. Similarly, He has given proper status to man and woman among the humans. Allah (S.W.T) has given preference to man over woman about the social status. Allah (S.W.T) has created man out of woman in this world but when we closely observe the first creation of humanity, we can correctly evaluate the status of a man. In this universe, Hazrat Adam (A.S) was created without any woman and Hazrat Eve (A.S) was created out of Hazrat Adam’s (A.S) rib. It clearly shows that woman is subordinate to man. It does not mean that we should overlook the capabilities of a woman, but we must determine her status keeping in view the laws of Shariah.  Allah (S.W.T) Himself equated two female witnesses to one male witness. This Quranic example highlights the physical weakness of a woman. In this paper the leadership of a woman has been discussed from Sharia, History and Judicial points of view.