What does Surah 4:34 say about the role of husbands?

Surah 4:34 describes men as qawwamun over women, a word translated as 'protectors and maintainers' or 'in charge of'. Husbands must support wives financially.

How do Muslims differ in interpreting Surah 4:34?

Traditional scholars read Surah 4:34 as making the husband head of the family. Many modern scholars read it as a duty of financial care, not superiority.

What does Surah 4:11 teach about inheritance, and how do Muslims explain it?

Surah 4:11 gives a son twice a daughter's share of inheritance. Muslims explain this by men's duty to support the family, while a woman keeps her own wealth.

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Islam: Marriage and the Family

Men and women in the Muslim family

3 things to know
Paper 1

Overview

Surah 4:1 and 4:32, the husband's role in Surah 4:34 and its disputed final part, inheritance in Surah 4:11, traditional roles, Khadijah and Aisha, Muhammad's share in family life, and roles today.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

Why is the final part of Surah 4:34 disputed?

Key term

What does Surah 4:1 teach about the equality of men and women?

Key term

What does Surah 4:32 teach about men and women?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
What does Surah 4:1 teach about the equality of men and women?
Model answer
Surah 4:1 teaches that men and women were created from a single soul. Muslims take this to mean both sexes share equal human dignity.
2
What does Surah 4:32 teach about men and women?
Model answer
Surah 4:32 says men and women each receive a share of what they have earned. Neither should envy what Allah has given the other.
3
What does Surah 4:34 say about the role of husbands?
Model answer
Surah 4:34 describes men as qawwamun over women, a word translated as 'protectors and maintainers' or 'in charge of'. Husbands must support wives financially.
4
How do Muslims differ in interpreting Surah 4:34?
Model answer
Traditional scholars read Surah 4:34 as making the husband head of the family. Many modern scholars read it as a duty of financial care, not superiority.
5
Why is the final part of Surah 4:34 disputed?
Model answer
The verse contains the word daraba, often translated 'strike', about wives' disobedience. Many scholars limit it to a symbolic gesture, and some translate it 'separate from them'. Aisha reported that Muhammad never struck a woman.
6
What does Surah 4:11 teach about inheritance, and how do Muslims explain it?
Model answer
Surah 4:11 gives a son twice a daughter's share of inheritance. Muslims explain this by men's duty to support the family, while a woman keeps her own wealth.

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