Understanding Women’s Intellect and Religion: Debunking Common Misconceptions

Do Women Really Have Deficiencies in Intellect and Religion?

Question: Are women really deficient in intelligence, and can men say this to women from time to time?

Answer: It is proven from the hadith that women are deficient in intelligence and religion, but it is important to understand what this means. The deficiency in religion refers to the fact that women do not pray or fast during their menstruation and post-natal bleeding. The deficiency in intelligence refers to the fact that a woman’s testimony is considered half that of a man’s in certain cases. 

However, this deficiency in religion and intelligence is related to certain matters determined by Allah, and it absolutely does not mean that women are less pious or less intelligent than men. Many righteous and wise women have passed through history. Consider the case of Sayyidah Aisha (RA), where even the greatest of the Sahabah would come to her to ask religious questions. Therefore, any man who taunts a woman for her supposed deficiency in religion or intellect is actually demonstrating his own lack of wisdom. If a man truly has wisdom and understanding, he would never insult a woman in this way.

Respondent: Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi Hafizahullah

Jeddah Dawah Center, Saudi Arabia  

Interpreter: Hasan Fuzail