Does the Quran Allow Wife Beating? Understanding Surah Nisa

Is wife beating truly allowed in Islam? Surah An-Nisa, Ayat 34, has been widely misunderstood, misinterpreted, and even misused to justify gender oppression. In this thought-provoking panel discussion, Eram Saeed is joined by two distinguished scholars: Dr. Sitara Akram (PhD in Islamic Finance and researcher) and Leena El-Ali (author, women’s rights advocate, and interfaith leader). Together, they unpack one of the most contentious verses in the Quran: Surah Nisa 4:34.

🔍 What You'll Learn in This Video:

What does Qawwamun actually mean? (Are men "rulers" or "maintainers"?)
Is the Quran truly instructing men to "beat" women, or has this been misinterpreted?
The historical context of Surah Nisa, verse 34, and its revolutionary stance on women’s rights.
How riba (usury) and other Quranic concepts were redefined to align with justice.
Misuse of Hadith to overshadow the clear message of the Quran.
The ethical methodology for interpreting Quranic verses.

This video emphasizes the egalitarian message of Islam, reaffirming that the Quran promotes justice, compassion, and dignity for all—especially women. By examining the Arabic meanings, historical background, and interconnected verses, the scholars demonstrate how knowledge and correct interpretation can counter oppression and reclaim women’s rightful place in society.

📚 About the Panelists:
Dr. Sitara Akram: Dr. Sitara Akram is a researcher in Islamic legal theory and ijtihad, holding a PhD in Islamic Finance. Her work redefines riba (usury) through the lenses of Qur’anic and Hadith principles within their historical contexts. Committed to hikmah (wisdom), she emphasizes the need for legal traditions to adapt to societal changes. Dr. Akram advocates for financial reforms, explores the Qur’an's role in promoting justice, and champions women's voices and agency in Islamic scholarship.
Follow Her On-    / @sitaraakram  

Leena El-Ali: Author of No Truth Without Beauty: God, the Qur’an, and Women’s Rights, a groundbreaking book that challenges misconceptions about women’s equality in Islam. Leena is also an international development professional, interfaith advocate, and researcher with over three decades of experience working across the Middle East, South Asia, and North Africa, addressing issues of governance, women’s empowerment, and ethical leadership.
Follow Her On-    / @notruthwithoutbeauty  

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Chapters:
00:00:00 - Introduction to Surah An-Nisa Discussion
00:00:22 - The Problematic Translation of ‘Qanitat’
00:00:48 - The True Meaning of ‘Qunut’ in Islam
00:01:12 - Qunut: Devotion Owed to God Alone
00:02:33 - Patriarchal Interpretations: Adding ‘Obedience to Husband’
00:03:52 - Egalitarian vs Patriarchal Cosmology in the Quran
00:05:00 - Why Some Scholars Misinterpreted Surah An-Nisa
00:06:08 - Maryam (R.A.): The True Example of Qunut
00:07:01 - Obedience in Islam: Only to Allah
00:08:00 - The Role of Patriarchy in Misreading the Quran
00:09:30 - Marriage in Islam: Mutual Respect, Not Obedience
00:11:00 - The Concept of Ghayb: What Should Be Private
00:13:30 - The Problem with Adding ‘Absence of Husband’
00:15:00 - Quranic References to Women’s Devotion and Chastity
00:17:40 - Misusing Islam for Patriarchal Power: A Modern Issue
00:20:00 - The Misrepresentation of Islam by Influencers
00:22:00 - The Quran’s Emancipatory Message for Women
00:24:30 - Quran’s Infinite Meaning: A Call to Reflect
00:26:00 - Understanding Faith, Privacy, and Reverence
00:29:00 - Concluding Reflections on Graceful Quranic Language



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