Bridging Fiqh and Ethics: Theoretical Frameworks for Reforming Women’s Rulings

This article examines the tensions between Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) and ethical principles in rulings concerning women, highlighting areas where traditional interpretations appear to conflict with contemporary values such as justice, human dignity, and gender equality. Focusing on specific examples—such as the permissibility of spousal chastisement (ḍarb al-zawja), the right to confine a wife (ḥabs al-zawja), the male-exclusive right to divorce (ṭalāq), and the legitimacy of child marriage (nikāḥ al-ṣaghīra)—the authors argue that certain traditional rulings may be incompatible with modern ethical frameworks. Rather than advocating for the rejection of fiqh or uncritical acceptance of traditional rulings, the article proposes an intra-religious reform through four theoretical frameworks: the abuse of right doctrine, meta-fiqhi principles, emphasis on the context of textual issuance (siāq al-ṣudūr), and purposive interpretation. Each framework seeks to maintain the integrity of Islamic jurisprudence while enabling ethically sensitive reinterpretations. The aim is to foster a dynamic, humane, and socially responsive fiqh that aligns with the evolving moral demands of contemporary society without compromising the foundational principles of the faith.

کلیدواژه ها:

Abuse of Rights ، chastising women ، Child Marriage ، Ijtihad ، Contextual Interpretation