An Analysis of Commentators' Views on the Deficiency of Women's Reasoning in Relation to Verse 18 of Surah Al-Zukhruf

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD student of University of Mazandaran

2 Assistant professor of University of Mazandaran

Abstract

Verse 18 of Surah Al-Zukhruf is one of the verses that has posed interpretative challenges for commentators. The central debate surrounding this verse is whether its content—describing an individual raised in luxury, ornamentation, and delicacy, yet weak in argumentation and defense—is a statement from God or a reflection of the viewpoint of pre-Islamic Arabs. Thus, the primary point of contention among commentators is whether the verse expresses the perspective of pre-Islamic Arabs or conveys God's own viewpoint. This study, using a descriptive-analytical method, examines the opinions of commentators and refutes the views of those who interpret this verse as God's statement indicating a deficiency in women's reasoning. The study argues that it is inconsistent for God to reject the disapproval of daughters by polytheists, deeming their judgment to be unjust, yet simultaneously uphold the same notion Himself. If the content of this verse were indeed intended by God, could He still consider the pre-Islamic Arabs' judgment about daughters to be wrong and undesirable? Moreover, such an interpretation would be inconsistent with the overarching Quranic principle of the spiritual equality of men and women.

Keywords

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 06 September 2024
  • Revise Date: 23 December 2024
  • Accept Date: 01 January 2025
  • Publish Date: 10 March 2025

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