Question

Is the following Hadith authentic?

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said;

“Men are destroyed when they obey women.”

 

Answer

The full narration, which clarifies the meaning is as follows:

Sayyiduna Abu Bakrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that a bearer of glad tidings once came to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and informed him that a certain army [which Nabi sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam had dispatched] had gained victory over the enemy. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)’s blessed head was resting on the lap of ‘Aishah (radiyallahu ‘anha). When he heard this news he, fell into prostration [Sajdatush Shukr- Sajdah of gratitude]. Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) then began questioning him regarding what had occurred. Among the things the bearer of glad tidings mentioned was that a woman was in charge over them. Upon hearing this, Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

“Men will be destroyed when they obey women”

(Musnad Ahmad, vol. 5, pg. 45. Imam Hakim has declared the Hadith as authentic and Hafiz Dhahabi concurs. Mustadrak Hakim, vol. 4, pg. 291. Also see Musnad Bazzar, Hadith: 3692)

Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) has recorded the following version:

Sayyiduna Abu Bakrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports, ‘When the news regarding The Persians appointing the Daughter of Kisra as their leader had reached Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) he said,

“A nation who entrust their command to a woman will not succeed.”

(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 4425)

The Hadith in question should therefore not be quoted out of context.

 

And Allah Ta’ala knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar