Prof. Abbas Shouman: Cohabitation is an Injustice to Women and a Violation of their Dignity and Chastity
At its 56th session, al-Azhar Pavilion at the Cairo International Book Fair hosted the final symposium of its book-reading series, featuring a discussion on the book ‘Women’s Issues between Equity and Arbitrariness’. The event was attended by Prof. Abbas Shouman, Secretary-General of the Council of Senior Scholars at al-Azhar and President of the World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates. Hassan Yahia, Assistant Secretary-General of the Higher Committee for Dawah at the Islamic Research Academy, moderated the symposium.
Notably, Prof. Shouman discussed the status of women under Islamic legislation and the various ways in which they are honored according to its teachings. He also addressed the position of women in both Shariah and civil law. This was followed by a discussion of draft laws, community dialog, and contract documentation from both Shariah and legal perspectives, as well as their implications for legal practice.
Additionally, the Secretary-General of the Council of Senior Scholars at al-Azhar explained the balance between exaggeration and negligence in family-related rulings, emphasizing the importance of the family in safeguarding morals and the various ways Islam honors women. He also highlighted that the hijab is a form of respect and protection for women, preserving their dignity and deterring exploitation. Furthermore, he stated that bedecking is a rejection of Allah’s wisdom, and cohabitation constitutes a grave injustice to women, undermining their dignity and chastity.
Moreover, the President of the World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates addressed the issue of women assuming high-ranking positions from a clear methodological perspective. He explained that the dispute between the proponents and opponents of this matter remains within the realm of speculative evidence and does not reach the level of definitive proof. Consequently, the evidence presented by both sides is equally valid, and the preference for one view over the other depends on practical reality. He affirmed that practical experience supports women in this regard, as they have held judicial and state leadership positions in different historical periods. It would be unjust to claim that they have failed in these roles, as reality has demonstrated otherwise.
For the ninth consecutive year, al-Azhar is participating with a dedicated pavilion at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, in line with its educational and preaching mission to promote the enlightened, moderate Islamic thought it has upheld for over a thousand years.
It is worth mentioning that Al-Azhar Pavilion at the exhibition is located in Heritage Hall No. 4, spanning an area of approximately 1,000 square meters. The pavilion features several sections, including a seminar hall, a Fatwa corner, an Arabic calligraphy corner, as well as dedicated spaces for children and manuscripts.
