Interpreting the Divine Word: Perspectives on Q 4:34
Once again, a human rights bill in our country has been obstructed because the “literal” meaning of one of the verses of the Holy Qur’an goes against what the bill intends to achieve. Surah An-Nisa verse 34 has been a difficult verse to interpret for Muslim scholars particularly of our times because the evident meaning of the verse not only gives husbands greater rights (and responsibilities) than their wives but also seemingly allows them “to strike” their women if the latter is being disobedient or disloyal.
Men are qawwamun (caretakers/protectors and maintainers/in charge)* in relation to women according to what God has favoured one over other and according to what they spend from their wealth. Righteous women are obedient, guarding the unseen according to what God has guarded. Those (women) whose nushuz (rebellion/disloyalty and ill-conduct/arrogance)* you fear, admonish them, and abandon them in bed, and strike them. If they obey you, do not pursue a strategy against them. Indeed, God is Exalted, Great. (Q 4:34) *(Mufti Taqi Usmani/Abdullah Yusuf Ali/ Saheeh International)
Throughout Islamic interpretive history, Muslim scholars while discussing this verse have particularly focused on at least two keywords — qawwamun and nushuz. Both these words are difficult to translate and often their meanings vary when used in different…
