Hadith #10195

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure and noble family, and his righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Do not give a woman the responsibility that she cannot bear for indeed a woman is [like] a sweet basil and not a strong ruler [who can govern the people].

This Hadith highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting the capabilities and strengths of women, and not burdening them with responsibilities beyond their capacity.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (mar'ah) "مَرْأَة" refers to a woman, while (jaawaza) "جَاوَزَ" means to exceed or go beyond. (nafsaha) "نَفْسَهَا" translates to her own self or her own capacity. The word (rayhanah) "رَيْحَانَةٌ" is used to describe a sweet basil, which is known for its pleasant fragrance. On the other hand, (qahrimanah) "قَهْرِمَانَة" refers to a strong ruler or a person who can govern others.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286),

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse emphasizes the principle of not overwhelming individuals with responsibilities that exceed their capabilities. It applies to both men and women, as Allah's wisdom encompasses all of His creation.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa (4:32), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And do not wish for that by which Allah has made some of you exceed others. For men is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what they have earned.

This verse highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting the unique strengths and roles of both men and women. It teaches us not to impose roles or responsibilities on individuals based on their gender, but rather to acknowledge and appreciate their individual capabilities and contributions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that women should not be burdened with responsibilities that go beyond their capacity. It does not imply that women are incapable or inferior, but rather emphasizes the need to acknowledge and respect their unique strengths and abilities. Just as a sweet basil adds fragrance and beauty to a garden, women bring their own unique qualities and contributions to society.

By understanding and implementing this Hadith, we can create an environment that values and empowers women, allowing them to flourish and contribute to society in a way that aligns with their capabilities. It encourages us to recognize and appreciate the diverse talents and strengths of women, and to provide them with opportunities that are suited to their abilities.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to not burden women with responsibilities beyond their capacity, and to appreciate their unique strengths and contributions. It aligns with the Quranic teachings of recognizing and respecting the capabilities of individuals, regardless of their gender. By following this guidance, we can create a society that values and empowers women, allowing them to thrive and contribute to the betterment of humanity.