Understanding the Islamic Perspective on Women’s Roles and Responsibilities
Allāh ﷻ said:
﴿وَقَرۡنَ فِی بُیُوتِكُنَّ وَلَا تَبَرَّجۡنَ تَبَرُّجَ ٱلۡجَـٰهِلِیَّةِ ٱلۡأُولَىٰ﴾
“And stay in your homes; and do not display yourselves like in the former days of ignorance.” [Sūrah Al-Aḥzāb: 33]
The meaning of this Āyah is the command to stay in the house. Although it’s addressed to the wives of the Prophet ﷺ, all other women are included.
Shari‘ah is filled with evidence that women should stay in their homes and avoid going out except when there is a pressing need.
Whenever A’isha رضي الله عنها read this Āyah, she would cry until her veil became wet.
Sawdah رضي الله عنها said to her, “Why do you not perform Hajj/’Umrah as your sisters do?”
She replied, “I have already performed Hajj/’Umrah and Allah has ordered me to remain in my house.”
It is also reported, “And by Allah she did not go out of the door of her house until her coffin was brought out.” [Tafsīr al-Qurtubi, 17/171 – 143]
Similarly, the brother of Fātimah bint Al-’Attār Al-Baghdādiyah rahimahullāh reported:
“She (Fātimah bint Al-’Attār) came out of her house (only) on three occasions:
- The day she got married,
- The day she performed Hajj,
- The day she died.
[Tāreekh Al-Islam by Imām Adh-Dhahabi, 40/126]
Ibn Mas’ood رضي الله عنه said: “The closest she (the woman) is to her Rabb, is when she is in the inner depth of her home.” [Fat-h Al-Bari, Ibn Rajab, 5/318]
Shaykh Salih Al-Fawzān حفظه الله said: “The natural place for the woman is the home and this is the place of her work. This is the origin and this is what is supported by the evidence of divine legislation. Furthermore, it is in accordance with the Fitrah upon which the woman was created.” [A Woman’s Guide To Raising A Family, pg. 3]
Shaykh ‘Abdul Azīz Ibn Bāz رحمه الله said: “When a woman stays in her house, her soul becomes stable, feels peace at heart, and has self-assurance. On the contrary, when she goes out of her house she feels uneasy, irritated, and tense (anxious) and she may be exposed to evil consequences.” [Fatāwa of Ibn Bāz, 1/422-423, Al-Ifta]
Sheikh Ibn Bāz rahimahullāh said: “The best Hijāb for a woman after covering her face is to stay in her house.” [Fatāwa Ibn Bāz, 1/422]
Shaykh Salih Al-Fawzān حفظه الله said: “Those that believe that the woman is wasted in her home either do not understand this duty or they understand it but they have a disease in their hearts.” [A Woman’s Guide to Raising a Family, pg. 20]
Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen رحمه الله said: “These (Muslim) women should fear Allah and abandon these western thoughts that the home is a prison!” [Fatāwa Nūr ’alā Ad-Darb]