Qiwāmat al-Rajul fī al-Khiṭāb al-Tafsīrī al-Muʿāṣir wa Abʿāduhā al-Tarbawiyyah: Tafsīr al-Munīr Unmūdhajan

Abstract

Male guardianship (qiwamah) remains one of the most debated concepts in contemporary Qur’anic interpretive discourse, especially when modern social narratives reshape its meaning and public reception. The present study examined the educational dimensions of qiwamah as presented in Al-Tafsir Al-Munir by Wahbah Al-Zuhayli and assessed its relationship with perceived family stability in Baghdad. A cross-sectional field survey recruited 282 respondents and used a structured questionnaire with three domains: (1) the religious and social concept of qiwamah, (2) qiwamah and family stability, and (3) contemporary challenges that include media influence and religious awareness. Internal consistency ranged from 0.60 to 0.68 across domains. Descriptive findings showed high agreement with qiwamah as a responsibility grounded in justice, protection, and mutual rights (M = 4.32, SD = 0.65), alongside strong agreement with its contribution to family stability (M = 4.28, SD = 0.61). Correlation analysis confirmed a positive association between qiwamah adherence and family stability (r = 0.61, p < 0.01), whereas media influence showed a negative association with qiwamah adherence (r = −0.42, p < 0.01). Regression results supported qiwamah-related educational values as significant predictors of perceived family stability, with marital mercy and affection showing the strongest effect (β = 0.52, p < 0.01). The findings support Al-Zuhayli’s interpretive framing of qiwamah as ethical leadership and accountable responsibility rather than domination. Such an understanding offers a practical educational lens that may strengthen marital cooperation and reinforce family balance in contemporary contexts.