The Principle of Role Allocation
Similarly, according to the Quran, one principle of family structure is that the woman is primarily responsible for managing the internal affairs of the household, while the man is primarily responsible for providing for the family. This is stated in the Quran as follows:
“Men are protectors of women, because God has made some of them excel others and because they spend their wealth on them.” (Quran, 4:34)
In this verse, the word “excel” (fazl) does not imply superiority or distinction; rather, it refers to an additional quality. According to the design of creation, man has been made physically stronger and endowed with greater endurance to withstand hardship. This added capacity enables him to face challenges and earn a livelihood for himself and his family under all circumstances.
According to the creation plan, the woman’s role is primarily to manage the internal system of the home and nurture the next generation. For this purpose, certain additional qualities have been placed in her nature, such as gentleness and submissiveness. If both man and woman understand this natural law and use their abilities within their respective domains, both the domestic and external systems of life will function successfully. But if this divine pattern is ignored, family life will inevitably fall into disorder.
This is the great tragedy of our time. Under the artificial notion of equality that prevails today, both men and women have hastily turned towards external work. The result has been the creation of an artificial unemployment problem. There were enough job opportunities for men, but when women also entered the job market, the natural balance was disturbed, and the issue now known as unemployment emerged.
At the same time, by leaving the home, women neglected the responsibilities that, according to the natural order, were to be fulfilled within the household. Breaking the natural division of responsibilities led to serious consequences. New and complex social problems began to emerge. Women’s move into work outside the home did not necessarily result in any new constructive contribution, because there were already sufficient numbers of people available to perform many of those roles. The home, however, was different. Its responsibilities depended primarily on women, and when those responsibilities were neglected, the home itself began to suffer.
Today, human society faces countless problems. These problems are directly or indirectly linked to this bitter reality: in one sphere of social life there is excessive activity, while in another, activity has almost ceased. It is therefore necessary to reconsider this matter and, through reassessment, understand once again what the true and natural system of life is.
