Redefining Qiwāmah as a Transformative Approach to Gender Role Sharing and Redressing Toxic Masculinities in Muslim Communities

Abstract

Qiwāmah, traditionally interpreted as male authority or headship within Islamic jurisprudence and theology, has often been employed to legitimize patriarchal norms and uphold gendered hierarchies in Muslim societies. These interpretations, shaped by historical, cultural, and legal contexts, have reinforced masculinities rooted in control and dominance. However, recent scholarly work within contemporary Shia thought has begun to reconceptualize qiwāmah in a manner that departs from patriarchal paradigms and instead aligns with emerging frameworks of gender equity and shared familial roles. This paper introduces and applies a gender role-sharing framework that promotes equitable distribution of domestic responsibilities, decision-making power, economic contributions, and moral leadership between spouses. Central to this model are values such as mutual care, emotional intimacy, cultural sensitivity, love, respect, and the affirmation of personal agency and autonomy for both partners. The study argues that realizing true gender equity in Muslim communities requires critically challenging entrenched assumptions, dismantling paternalistic oversight, and rejecting benevolent sexism that often masks deeper inequalities. By reimagining qiwāmah not as a static, male-dominated hierarchy but as a dynamic and reciprocal partnership, this redefinition has the potential to subvert toxic forms of masculinity and offer a transformative model for future Muslim social development. The paper thus positions this evolved understanding of qiwāmah as a meaningful contribution to broader discourses on Islamic gender ethics and as a viable pathway toward justice-oriented Muslim family structures.