Hadith Text and Reference

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "A people who make a woman their ruler will never be successful." Reported by al-Bukhari in his Sahih.

Context and Circumstance of Revelation

This hadith was narrated when the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was informed that the Persians had appointed the daughter of Khosrau as their ruler after his death. The Prophet's statement came as a divine judgment on this specific situation and as general guidance for Muslim governance.

Scholarly Interpretation

The majority of classical scholars understood this hadith to prohibit women from holding the position of head of state (caliphate or imamate) and senior judicial positions involving governance and leadership of men. This ruling is based on the comprehensive nature of political leadership which requires qualities and responsibilities that may conflict with a woman's natural disposition and Islamic responsibilities.

Imam al-Qurtubi stated: "This hadith indicates the prohibition of appointing women as rulers and judges, because the ruler's position requires exposure to men and attending to their affairs in times of peace and war, which contradicts the required modesty and seclusion for women."

Scope and Limitations

Scholars emphasize that this prohibition applies specifically to the highest leadership position in an Islamic state. It does not prevent women from holding other positions of authority, participating in shura councils, or exercising leadership in fields where their expertise is needed. Historical examples show Muslim women actively participating in scholarly, educational, and social leadership roles.

Wisdom Behind the Ruling

The wisdom includes maintaining the natural complementarity between genders, protecting women from the extreme pressures of political leadership, and ensuring the stability of society by assigning roles according to natural dispositions and capabilities. This ruling aims to preserve both the dignity of women and the proper functioning of Islamic governance.