The Islamic principles guide moral conduct and cultivate a virtuous society, encouraging individuals to uphold ethical behaviour in all aspects of life
Dr Shabistan Gaffar
LEADERSHIP within the context of Islam transcends mere authority or public office; it is fundamentally perceived as a moral obligation rooted in principles of justice, knowledge, service, and accountability. A review of early Islamic history reveals an important alternative perspective to modern interpretations that often downplay the roles of Muslim women in leadership positions.
From the advent of Islam, women have played a vital role in shaping the religious consciousness, social ethics, and resilience of communities. The Prophet Muhammad not only acknowledged the leadership capabilities of women but also relied upon their guidance during critical phases of the Islamic mission, thus integrating women’s authority into the foundational moral framework of Islam. Gaining a nuanced understanding of the leadership roles of Muslim women in India necessitates an exploration of three interrelated normative frameworks.
Islam offers a holistic ethical framework based on the teachings of the Qur’an and the Prophet Muhammad, emphasising values such as honesty, compassion, justice, and integrity. These principles guide moral conduct and cultivate a virtuous society, encouraging individuals to uphold ethical behaviour in all aspects of life. Through the teachings of the Prophet and the divine guidance found in the Qur’an, Muslims are inspired to cultivate a community rooted in moral excellence and mutual respect.
The constitutional principles of justice and equality are embedded in the Indian Constitution, and the global development paradigms outlined by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Instead of conflicting with one another, these frameworks work together to create a holistic model of leadership. This approach underscores the importance of dignity, equity, and social accountability, offering a powerful vision for effective leadership in today’s world. This integrated approach showcases the inspiring potential of Muslim women’s leadership to harmonise Islamic values with modern democratic principles, driving powerful social transformation and advancing development goals within the Indian context.
Ethical Foundation
The Constitution of India articulates foundational principles such as social, economic, and political justice, along with liberty, equality, and fraternity, which are central to the Republic. Specifically, Articles 14, 15, 19, and 21 establish the framework for equality before the law, prohibit discrimination, safeguard individual freedoms, and affirm the right to live with dignity. These constitutional provisions resonate deeply with the Islamic framework of governance, which emphasises leadership as Amanah (trust), ‘adl (justice), and ihsan (ethical excellence). This inherent connection underscores a shared ethical foundation that shapes both governance and societal interactions.
The leadership paradigms exemplified by Mothers of the Believers Sayyidah Khadijah and Sayyidah Ayesha al-Siddiqah and The Prophet’s daughter Sayyidah Fatimah al-Zahra, illustrate that women’s leadership within the framework of Islam is fundamentally aligned with principles of constitutional morality. Their lives embody the ideals of responsibility over hierarchy and service over domination principles that resonate with Dr B R Ambedkar’s vision of constitutional democracy, which is grounded in social justice and the ethic of citizenship.
Sayyidah Khadijah’s economic leadership provides a compelling framework for aligning Islamic ethics with Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom to pursue any profession or occupation, as well as with Sustainable Development Goal 8, which advocates for decent work and inclusive economic growth. Her example challenges socio-cultural practices that limit Muslim women’s participation in the economic sphere while affirming entrepreneurship, ethical trade, and financial independence as essential and legitimate forms of leadership.
Proactive Approach
In contemporary India, empowering Muslim women through targeted skill development, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion is crucial for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 (No Poverty), 5 (Gender Equality), and 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Strengthening economic agency is not just an option; it is essential for enhancing individual autonomy, building community resilience, and driving national development. This proactive approach addresses socio-economic disparities head-on, creating a robust foundation for sustainable growth and progress.
Sayyidah Fatimah al-Zahra’s moral authority exemplifies a form of leadership that is deeply rooted in dignity, compassion, and a steadfast resistance to injustice. These values resonate strongly with Article 21, which guarantees the right to live with dignity, as well as with Sustainable Development Goal 16, which advocates for peaceful, just, and inclusive societies. Her life serves as a powerful testament to the idea that leadership does not necessarily have to be institutional to yield transformative effects. Instead, it highlights that ethical consistency and a strong sense of social responsibility can significantly influence and shape communal values for the better.
For Muslim women in India, this model shines brightly in grassroots leadership through community mediation, welfare initiatives, and advocacy for rights, where women serve as vital moral anchors within families and neighbourhoods. Such leadership fosters constitutional fraternity and empowers democratic participation at the community level.
Sayyidah Ayesha al-Siddiqah stands as a beacon of intellectual leadership, her profound insights and scholarly contributions harmonising beautifully with Article 21A, which enshrines the fundamental right to education for all. Her work also resonates deeply with Sustainable Development Goal 4, which champions the pursuit of inclusive and equitable quality education across the globe. As a distinguished scholar, jurist, and public intellectual, Sayyidah Ayesha embodies the notion that women’s engagement in the realm of knowledge is not merely acceptable but is, in fact, vital to the intellectual dynamism and flourishing of society. Her legacy illuminates the essential role that women play in shaping ideas, fostering understanding, and nurturing the educational landscape, thereby enriching our collective quest for wisdom and enlightenment.
Intellectual Leadership
In the Indian context, it is vital to support and enhance Muslim women’s access to education, particularly in areas like Islamic studies, social sciences, law, and public policy. Empowering them in these fields enables meaningful participation in academic discussions, policy development, and interfaith dialogues. This type of intellectual leadership is not only crucial for challenging stereotypes and addressing misconceptions, but it also fosters a profound connection between faith-based ethics and constitutional principles. By uplifting these women, we contribute to a more inclusive and understanding society.
The Constitution’s unwavering commitment to gender equality, as articulated in Articles 14 and 15, finds profound resonance within the rich tapestry of Islamic ethics, which honours women as moral agents, active economic contributors, and esteemed scholars. The journey toward Sustainable Development Goal 5, which aspires to achieve gender equality and empower every woman and girl, gains cultural authenticity when framed within the context of indigenous Islamic perspectives instead of being overshadowed by external narratives.
The dynamic leadership of Muslim women, deeply rooted in their faith and the foundational principles of the Constitution, paves the way for inclusive development that leaves no one behind. This viewpoint champions the notion that gender justice transcends being merely a Western ideal; it is, in fact, a universally shared ethical duty intricately woven into the fabric of both Islamic ethics and the constitutional framework of India.
Recognising the leadership potential of Muslim women is not only essential for community upliftment but also critically important from a constitutional and developmental standpoint.
The leadership of Muslim women in India is a beautiful continuation of Islamic intellectual heritage, harmonising with constitutional principles and paving the way toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The inspiring contributions of historical figures like Sayyidah Khadijah, Sayyidah Ayesha and Sayyidah Fatimah and remind us that ethical leadership knows no bounds and transcends cultural and institutional barriers.
Significant Challenges
Muslim women in contemporary India encounter several significant challenges, despite historical advancements. National surveys and committee reports reveal that their participation in the workforce is approximately 14 per cent, a figure that highlights ongoing struggles for economic integration. Additionally, literacy rates among Muslim women fall short of the national averages, further exacerbating their marginalisation. Various intersecting factors contribute to these issues, including poverty, restricted access to quality education, societal expectations rooted in gender norms, and limitations on mobility, all of which influence these disparities.
Patriarchal interpretations of religious norms often pigeonhole women into domestic roles, sidelining the core Islamic principles of justice, education, and moral equality. Adding to this challenge, media portrayals frequently depict Muslim women as passive or oppressed, drowning out their powerful stories of agency and leadership. As a result, the rich tapestry of contributions made by Muslim women historically and in the present remains largely hidden, both within their communities and in the wider public conversation.
Political representation is another area where progress has been slow; only a handful of Muslim women hold positions of influence at either local or national levels. This lack of visibility perpetuates a cycle that leaves young women without role models to aspire to, reinforcing the misleading notion that leadership is either out of reach or not meant for them. It’s time to shine a light on the inspiring narratives of Muslim women who are breaking barriers and redefining what leadership looks like.
The integration of Islamic ethics, constitutional values, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) presents a comprehensive framework for redefining the leadership roles of Muslim women in India. This multifaceted approach underscores the necessity of inclusive governance, facilitating the active participation of Muslim women in democratic processes, which enhances representation and accountability. By emphasising educational advancement, this framework acknowledges the diverse intellectual perspectives that equip these women with the requisite tools to make substantive contributions across various sectors. Furthermore, economic empowerment is of paramount importance, as it fosters financial independence and addresses systemic inequalities, thereby promoting social equity within communities.
Additionally, fortifying community bonds and cultivating ethical citizenship can enhance social cohesion and foster a heightened sense of responsibility among citizens. Together, these elements can reshape the leadership landscape for Muslim women, aligning their efforts with global sustainability goals and fostering a more equitable and just society.
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Dr Shabistan Gaffar is Chairperson of All India Confederation for Women’s Empowerment and ex chairperson of the women’s cell of National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI). She can be reached at shabistangaffar@gmail.com
