Dr. Elham Shaheen, Professor of Doctrine and Philosophy at Al-Azhar University, confirmed that The concept of guardianship in Islamic law It is based on responsibility, care, and carrying out family affairs, and not on imposing control or coercion, explaining that custodianship is closely linked to the husband’s performance of his duties, the foremost of which is providing for the wife and the family.
During her speech on a television program, Elham Shaheen explained that the material rights that the husband provides to his wife come within the framework of an integrated system of mutual rights and duties between the two parties, noting that the husband who fully performs his responsibilities and spends on his family has the right of custodianship, which is approved by Islamic law.
Guardianship is an obligation, not an honor
The professor of doctrine and philosophy pointed out that guardianship mentioned in the Almighty’s saying: “Men are guardians of women” means taking responsibility and supporting the wife in life’s affairs that need support and assistance, in addition to guidance and guidance with wisdom and good advice, away from any form of coercion or abuse. She added that Islam made guardianship a framework for protecting and stabilizing the family, based on the physical and psychological capabilities God gave men that help him bear the burdens of family responsibility, care for family members, and take care of their affairs.
Spending is the basis for achieving governance
Shaheen emphasized that spending represents one of the basic pillars on which custodianship is based, citing the Almighty’s saying: {And because they spend of their property}, explaining that the husband’s performance of the duty of maintenance is an essential condition for the continuation of this responsibility as defined by Sharia law. She added that the husband’s negligence in spending and failure to provide the basic needs of his wife and family affects the basis on which custodianship is based, which is what Islamic jurisprudence has addressed in the context of talking about the balance of rights and duties between spouses.
Building a family on mutual understanding and rights
The professor of doctrine and philosophy at Al-Azhar University stressed that the marital relationship in Islam is based on affection, compassion and cooperation, and that achieving family stability requires each party’s commitment to its rights and duties, far from the wrong understanding of the concept of custodianship as absolute authority. She emphasized that Islamic law has established a balanced system that preserves the rights of spouses and achieves family stability, by consolidating the values of responsibility, solidarity, and mutual respect.
