Guardianship
Allah assigns guardianship to the man by virtue of the Qur'anic verse:
" Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has made
the one of them to excel the other and because they spend (to
support them) from their means". 33
There are two reasons for this, one has to do with a natural quality and
the other relates to something acquired. First, Allah has provided the
man with a quality of greater strength whereas he has equipped the woman
with a lighter and usually more delicate physique. Secondly, Allah has
delegated the man to be the family provider. If the family collapses, he
must bear the brunt of the collapse. This responsibility naturally entails
deference and support.