Explanation of Quranic Verse 4:34 by Dr. Abla Hasan
Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2021 2:02 am
Explanation of Quranic Verse 4:34 by Dr. Abla Hasan (English)
Dr Abla says the verse is not even about husbands and wives but it about women and men in general. Reminds me of G A Parwez's exposition of 4:35
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X87O48N0q8A&t=2731s
G A Perwez's understanding of 4:34
As stated earlier, women own what they earn but due to biological reasons, they are incapacitated for considerable periods of time, to earn a living. Due to this fact it is obvious and natural that the responsibility for maintaining the family is vested in men[*1]. When women are given such protection then they must fulfill their functions as women faithfully and safeguard their potentialities.
If notwithstanding all this, those in authority apprehend defiance on the part of women with regards to the performance of their natural functions, they should, in order to correct such a behaviour, first admonish the women, then, if required, separate them temporarily from their husbands, or intern them, and finally, if necessary, punish them otherwise. Allah’s Laws must prevail. If they submit to them then seek no occasion against them[*2].
*1- Qawwaamoona is generally translated as 'men are preotectors, guardians, managers over women and superior to them.
Generically, some people don't give neough credence to women in the world. Culturally women are doubtlessly thought of as an inferior creation, whereas the Quran considers both sexes equal. However, from a Quranic perspective, the female has a position perhaps far greater than her counterpart. Not only does she give birth, nurturing the very miracle of life, but also fashions the very future of a nation. The child she brings into the world is surely one of the greatest responsibilities, if not the greatest; its nourishment, education, development are all in the hands of the mother.
*2- Pickthal, Yousuf Ali, Maududi and Asad Leopold translated the word Wa-izriboohunna 'Beat them' but the interpretation presented by G. A. Parvez - that women found guilty of the offence may be punished physically - is the best one in the light of the Quran's overall stance and temperament. It must be borne in mind, however, that the verse in question concerns men and women in society and not husbands and wives, as conventional Islam has been taking it up to now. Therefore, administration of the punitive measures mentioned in the verse is the responsibility of the Islamic society and state and NOT the privilege of a Muslim husband. Moreover, why should Muslims feel embarrassed over 4:34? After all, the Quran does dictate physical punishment for women fornicators in 24:2, doesn't it? So, if the Islamic State has the power and allowance to implement 24:2, why can't it do the same with 4:34? One should try to see the Quran in its own light and must not shy away from whatever outcome one may have to face as a result of independent but rational, logical and scientific investigation and study.
Dr Abla says the verse is not even about husbands and wives but it about women and men in general. Reminds me of G A Parwez's exposition of 4:35
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X87O48N0q8A&t=2731s
G A Perwez's understanding of 4:34
As stated earlier, women own what they earn but due to biological reasons, they are incapacitated for considerable periods of time, to earn a living. Due to this fact it is obvious and natural that the responsibility for maintaining the family is vested in men[*1]. When women are given such protection then they must fulfill their functions as women faithfully and safeguard their potentialities.
If notwithstanding all this, those in authority apprehend defiance on the part of women with regards to the performance of their natural functions, they should, in order to correct such a behaviour, first admonish the women, then, if required, separate them temporarily from their husbands, or intern them, and finally, if necessary, punish them otherwise. Allah’s Laws must prevail. If they submit to them then seek no occasion against them[*2].
*1- Qawwaamoona is generally translated as 'men are preotectors, guardians, managers over women and superior to them.
Generically, some people don't give neough credence to women in the world. Culturally women are doubtlessly thought of as an inferior creation, whereas the Quran considers both sexes equal. However, from a Quranic perspective, the female has a position perhaps far greater than her counterpart. Not only does she give birth, nurturing the very miracle of life, but also fashions the very future of a nation. The child she brings into the world is surely one of the greatest responsibilities, if not the greatest; its nourishment, education, development are all in the hands of the mother.
*2- Pickthal, Yousuf Ali, Maududi and Asad Leopold translated the word Wa-izriboohunna 'Beat them' but the interpretation presented by G. A. Parvez - that women found guilty of the offence may be punished physically - is the best one in the light of the Quran's overall stance and temperament. It must be borne in mind, however, that the verse in question concerns men and women in society and not husbands and wives, as conventional Islam has been taking it up to now. Therefore, administration of the punitive measures mentioned in the verse is the responsibility of the Islamic society and state and NOT the privilege of a Muslim husband. Moreover, why should Muslims feel embarrassed over 4:34? After all, the Quran does dictate physical punishment for women fornicators in 24:2, doesn't it? So, if the Islamic State has the power and allowance to implement 24:2, why can't it do the same with 4:34? One should try to see the Quran in its own light and must not shy away from whatever outcome one may have to face as a result of independent but rational, logical and scientific investigation and study.