The Role of Women in Assuming Leadership from the Perspective of the Jurisprudence of Ahl Al-Bayt (Peace be Upon Them) and Hanafi Jurisprudence

Abstract

This research examines the jurisprudential evidence regarding the permissibility of women's leadership from the perspective of the two jurisprudential schools of Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) and Hanafi. In the jurisprudence of Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), by relying on Quranic principles such as justice, human dignity, and the principle of not stipulating maleness, many jurists believe there is no explicit prohibition on women holding leadership positions, with scholarly and ethical competence being the main criterion. In contrast, Hanafi jurisprudence, based on certain narrations and specific interpretations of verses, proposes limitations on women holding high political offices, although in the administrative, educational, and social spheres, it deems women's participation permissible and even necessary. The evidence presented by proponents of its permissibility in both schools emphasizes the principle of justice, the actual ability of women, and historical examples of their roles in early Islam. Opponents primarily rely on the verse "Men are the maintainers (qawwamun) of women" (4:34) and certain narrations. However, from the perspective of many contemporary jurists, this evidence does not definitively indicate a prohibition on women's leadership. The research result indicates that the differences of opinion are largely due to variations in methods of jurisprudential inference and historical-social conditions, and a re-reading of this evidence can provide a basis for redefining the position of women in political leadership.