What does qawwama mean according to Islam?

The term "qawwama" holds significant importance, particularly in understanding the roles and responsibilities within the family structure. The term qawwama appears in the Quranic verse stating: اَلرِّجَالُ قَوَّامُوۡنَ عَلَى النِّسَآءِ بِمَا فَضَّلَ اللّٰهُ بَعۡضَهُمۡ عَلٰى بَعۡضٍ وَّبِمَاۤ اَنۡفَقُوۡا مِنۡ اَمۡوَالِهِمۡ​ ؕ فَالصّٰلِحٰتُ قٰنِتٰتٌ حٰفِظٰتٌ لِّلۡغَيۡبِ بِمَا حَفِظَ اللّٰهُ​ ؕ وَالّٰتِىۡ تَخَافُوۡنَ نُشُوۡزَهُنَّ فَعِظُوۡهُنَّ وَاهۡجُرُوۡهُنَّ فِى الۡمَضَاجِعِ وَاضۡرِبُوۡهُنَّ​ ۚ فَاِنۡ اَطَعۡنَكُمۡ فَلَا تَبۡغُوۡا عَلَيۡهِنَّ سَبِيۡلًا​ ؕاِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ عَلِيًّا كَبِيۡرًا‏ Men are the protectors and maintainers of women because Allah has made one of them excel over the other, and because they spend out of their possessions (to support them). Thus righteous women are obedient and guard the rights of men in their absence under Allah's protection. As for women of whom you fear rebellion, admonish them, and remain apart from them in beds, and beat them. Then if they obey you, do not seek ways to harm them. Allah is Exalted, Great. (Qur'an al-Nisa 4:34) From a scholarly perspective, the term "qawwama" is often interpreted as the role of men as protectors and maintainers of their families. This includes providing for their financial needs, making decisions on behalf of the family and ensuring guidance and education of family members. It is a position of authority entrusted to men by virtue of their nature and capabilities. Scholars emphasize that the concept of qawwama does not imply superiority of men over women but rather highlights complementary roles within the family structure. Dr. Jamal Badawi, a renowned Islamic scholar, elaborates on this point by stating: "The verse does not imply superiority or advantage, but rather assigns a role function, according to natural and biological, psychological and social differences, for which a man's personality, temperament, and capacities are better suited than a woman's." FAQs Q1: How do interpretations of qawwama vary among different Islamic scholars? Interpretations of qawwama can indeed vary among Islamic scholars, influenced by factors such as cultural context, theological perspective, and understanding of gender roles in Islam. Some scholars emphasize the authority aspect, while others focus on the concept of mutual cooperation and partnership between spouses. Q2: Are there any historical or contextual factors that influence the interpretation of the verse mentioning qawwama? Yes, understanding the historical and cultural context of the revelation of the Quranic verse mentioning qawwama is essential for its interpretation. Factors such as societal norms, prevalent customs, and the status of women during the time of revelation can influence how the concept is understood and applied.