Kepemimpinan Perempuan Perspektif Tafsir Al-Qur’an

Women’s Leadership from the Perspective of Qur’anic Exegesis

Abstract

Background: Women’s leadership remains a subject of debate in Indonesian society, where Muslims form the majority, owing to cultural background, patriarchal traditions, social conditions, and differing understandings of religious texts, which contribute to the unequal social position of women. Objective: This study examines women’s leadership from the perspective of Qur’anic exegesis, focusing on verses concerning the rights, roles, and capacity of women as leaders. Methods: This is library research using a descriptive-analytical method with textual and contextual approaches. Primary data consist of the Qur’an and works of exegesis, while secondary data comprise relevant books, research findings, and scholarly articles. Results: The analysis of Q.S. At-Taubah/9: 71 shows that believing men and women alike serve as allies (auliya’) who enjoin good and forbid evil, so the Qur’an does not prohibit women from entering various professions according to their expertise. The story of Queen Balqis of Saba’ portrays an intelligent, prudent woman who consulted others in making decisions. Scholars differ on whether women may hold the highest leadership positions: the majority of scholars prohibit it by referring to Q.S. An-Nisa/4: 34, whereas other interpretations understand the verse as limited to a husband’s leadership within the household. Conclusion: The Qur’an places men and women on an equal footing in leadership capacity, provided that both meet the criteria of leadership and act in accordance with Islamic values. Qur’anic exegesis therefore provides strong legitimacy for women to serve as leaders in various aspects of life.