Praise be to Allaah.

The consensus of the scholars is that it is not permissible for a woman to be the head of an Islamic state or to hold a position of top leadership. This is what is stated in the Book of Allaah (interpretation of the meaning):

“Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allâh has made one of them to excel the other” [al-Nisa’ 4:34]

The general applicability of this aayah indicates that the position of qiwaamah (being a protector and maintainer) belongs to men in relation to women. As a woman does not have authority over her husband in the home, it is more appropriate that she should not have authority over any other men.

In the Sunnah, there is the hadeeth narrated by Abu Bakrah who said: when the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) heard that the people of Persia had made the daughter of Chosroes their queen, he said: “No people will ever prosper who place a woman in authority over them.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari in al-Saheeh and by Ahmad and others). This clearly states that women are not qualified to hold the position of monarch or governor or any position of public authority, and it is not permissible for her people to appoint her to such a position, because it is a duty on society to avoid anything that could lead to not succeeding, as the scholars said. Common sense also proves that this is true, because the Lawgiver took into account woman’s circumstances and her unique feminine nature and character, and made her testimony equal to half that of a man; Allaah does not treat anyone unfairly. “Should not He Who has created know? And He is the Most Kind and Courteous (to His slaves), All-Aware (of everything).” [al-Mulk 67:14 – interpretation of the meaning]. So how can anyone say that women can be appointed as heads of state or be given positions of public authority over men?

Moreover, the fact that women have stronger emotions and more intense feelings than men, and men are stronger and more solid, and have more patience, and are in a position to devote their time to running the affairs of society, tips the balance in favour of men in this regard. This further strengthens our conviction that what Allaah has prescribed is the ultimate wisdom, is in the best interests of society and is a mercy to all people.

If a woman joins these councils, this entails her mixing with and sitting with men, perhaps for long periods of time, and speaking with them, with her looking at them and them looking at her. All of this has been forbidden by Allaah in His Book and by His Messenger in his Sunnah.

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance” [al-Ahzaab 33:33]

Allaah commanded the Mothers of the Believers and all the Muslim women to stay in their houses, because this is more protecting of their chastity and keeps them further away from the causes of corruption, since going out for no need could lead to women making a wanton display of themselves (tabarruj), just as it could lead to other evils. Al-Tirmidhi narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The woman is ‘awrah [that which should be concealed], and when she goes out the Shaytaan’s hopes are raised.” She is described in this manner, and whoever is described in this manner should be covered. The meaning is that it is disliked for her to go out and appear before men. It was said in al-Sihaah: everything that is ‘awrah is a cause for concern.

“and when she goes out the Shaytaan’s hopes are raised.” Al-Tayyibi said: so long as she is in her house, the Shaytaan has no hope of tempting her or of tempting people through her, but when she goes out, he becomes hopeful and makes others look at her, because she is his net and his greatest trap. (Fayd al-Qadeer, 6/266).

And Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts). That is purer for them. Verily, Allaah is All-Aware of what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent” [al-Noor 24:30-31]

The two commandments mentioned here – lowering the gaze and protecting the private parts – are impossible to fulfil when a woman mixes with men as a colleague or fellow-participant in some work.

It was reported in a saheeh hadeeth that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “I do not leave behind me any greater fitnah (trial, temptation) for men than women.” (Agreed upon. From the hadeeth of Usaamah ibn Zayd, may Allaah be pleased with them both).

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) also said: “Fear this world and women, for the firat fitnah that befell the Children of Israel had to do with women.” (Narrated by Muslim).

To sum up: for women to stay at home and fulfil their obligations of running the household affairs and their duties towards their husbands and children, after fulfilling their duties towards Allaah, is in the best interests of their society and their Ummah. If a woman has spare time, she can work in women’s fields such as teaching women or working as a women’s doctor or nurse, and so on. This will fill a gap in society and help it to develop in all fields of specialization. May Allaah help us all to do that which He loves and which pleases Him.