An Analytical Review of “the Head of a Family” in the light of‏ "الرِّجَالُ قَوَّامُونَ عَلَى النِّسَاء"ِ (Men are the Protectors and Maintainers of Women)

Abstract

In the Holy Qur’ān, the term “Qawwām” has been used indicating towards the responsibility and headship of a man. Qawwāmah is a responsibility, due to which, a man is duty bound to fulfill certain requirements e.g., satisfying the physical, material as well as religious needs of his family in the best possible way. Through his practice, the Prophet Muḥammad (peace be upon him) demonstrated his responsibilities as a head of the family. The responsibility of Qawwāmah is entrusted to men due to their suitability for being protectors and maintainers of women. That’s the reason, Qawwāmah is a religious and legal obligation and not a mere privilege which can be misused anytime. A descriptive and analytical methodology will be utilized in this research. The present work aims to explore the meaning of the term “Qawwām” with the help of different Tafāsīr as well as viewpoints of Muslim scholars. It will describe the qualifications of man to play role as the head of a family in Islām. The purpose of this research is to highlight the responsibilities of the head of a family in the light of verse no.34 of Sūrah Nisāʾ  "الرِّجَالُ قَوَّامُونَ عَلَى النِّسَاء"as well as to identify the limitations in his authority. It will discuss the above-mentioned Qur’ānic verse with its correct understanding in relation with the issue of domestic violence against women.