GENDER EQUALITY IN QUR'AN SURAH AL-NISĀ’ (4):34: A STUDY OF TAFSIR AL-MUNIR

Abstrak

This study examines the concept of gender in the perspective of the Qur’an, with a focus on QS. An-Nisā’ verse 34 and an analysis of Wahbah al-Zuhaili’s interpretation in Tafsīr al-Munīr. The research employs a qualitative method through library research with an adabi ijtima‘i exegetical approach, drawing from the Qur’an, classical tafsir works, and scholarly literature on gender studies. The findings indicate that the Qur’an acknowledges the differences between men and women; however, these differences are not hierarchical or discriminatory in nature, but are intended to establish balance and social harmony. Verses such as QS. Ar-Rūm: 21, QS. An-Naḥl: 97, QS. Al-Baqarah: 30, and QS. Al-Mu’min: 40 affirm human equality before God as servants and vicegerents who share equal opportunities in righteous deeds and achievements. In QS. An-Nisā’ verse 34, the concept of qiwāmah is understood as a responsibility assigned to men within the family, related to financial maintenance and protection, rather than a form of absolute superiority. Wahbah al-Zuhaili emphasizes that although there is a distribution of roles within the family structure, both men and women possess balanced rights and obligations according to their respective capacities. Thus, gender equality in Islam is understood as a proportional distribution of roles aimed at achieving justice, harmony, and values consistent with the Qur’an.