GUIDING LIGHTS: Spiritual Role of Women in Islam

share one third between them, after payment of any bequests or debts, so that no harm is done to anyone. That is a commandment from God: God is all knowing and forbearing.” (4:12) In his English translation of the Quran, Abdullah Yusuf Ali notes: ‘The principles of inheritance law are laid down in broad outline in the Quran; the precise details have been worked out based on the Apostle’s practice and that of his Companions, and by interpretation and analogy. Muslim jurists have collected a vast amount of learning on this subject…’ Women also have a right to make a will the way men are given this right and on the very same condition as men: that not more than one-third of the property shall be bequeathed and that those who will inherit as heirs shall not be entitled to take under the bequest. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 2744; Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 1628) QAWWAMIAT OR ‘BOSSISM’ In the 4th chapter, the Quran states that men are women’s protectors (Qawwam). (4:34) The word QAWWAMIYAT OR ‘BOSSISM’