Reassessing Qiwāmah: Gender Equity and Interfaith Marriage in Classical and Contemporary Islamic Jurisprudence

Abstract

The concept of Qiwāmah, derived from Qurʾān 4:34, has been central to Islamic discussions on marital responsibility and family structure. Classical jurists and exegetes generally understood it as assigning men primary responsibility for financial support and protection within the household. In recent scholarship, however, Qiwāmah has been revisited, particularly in debates on gender equity and interfaith marriage in Muslim minority contexts. This study re-examines the concept through a qualitative textual analysis of Qurʾānic verses, classical exegesis, and contemporary academic literature on gender relations and Islamic family law. It also considers how modern scholars interpret Qiwāmah in changing social and legal contexts. The study finds that classical interpretations emphasized responsibility and financial obligation rather than inherent male superiority, while contemporary approaches increasingly frame Qiwāmah in terms of justice, shared responsibility, and gender equity. These discussions are especially relevant in minority settings, where interfaith marriage raises complex questions about the application of classical legal principles. The study highlights the need for context-sensitive interpretations to address contemporary challenges in Muslim family life.