QAWWAMIAT OR ‘BOSSISM’

In the 4th chapter, the Quran states that men are women’s protectors (Qawwam). (4:34) The word used by the Quran is ‘Qawwam,’ and it has the same connotation as the word ‘boss’ used today.

The word ‘boss’ seemingly appears to convey that one is the ruler, and the other is ruled. But Qawwam has a different meaning. Qawwam refers to administration rather than ‘ruling’ or being ‘superior’ to a woman.

Today, the concept of ‘boss’ or ‘bossism’ is widely known. We can understand the concept of Qawwamiat with this example. Qawwamiat means that a man is the head of the family, just as there is a head in an institution or a company. This ‘head’ or ‘boss’ runs the company’s administration, but this does not mean he ‘rules’ it. The common adage goes, “The Boss is always right.” This does not mean that the Boss is superior, but that for an organization to function successfully, someone with authority and responsibility is needed at its helm.

The Quran gives an example of the Queen of Sheba, who ruled over men (27:23) without disapproving of her rule. This shows that rulership or ‘Qawwamiyat’ is not man’s monopoly. A woman can be a ruler over men if she has the capabilities to do so, and the Quran has testified to it. A capable woman can be in charge and shoulder such responsibilities.

Similarly, a home is also an institution. Likewise, a head or a boss is required to run this institution successfully. In this regard, the Quran has called the man a Qawwam.

The 'Qawwam' of a household acts as an administrator among its equal members. Not acknowledging this principle will only result in every home falling into anarchy.

Being a Boss means having responsibility for, not superiority over another. Similarly, Qawwamiat is also a responsibility. It fulfills administrative needs rather than exercising superiority over others. If the difference between this practical need and ideological authority is fully understood, then the concept of Qawwamiat will be easy to understand.