There is nothing in the authentic sources or the sound principles of the Quran and hadith for barring women from assuming leadership positions in Islam. We ought to choose leaders for their credentials and ability to fulfill responsibilities.

 

The Quran makes it abundantly clear that Allah does not discriminate between the works of men and men based on gender differences. The prophet, as well as the pious caliphs, did appoint women to positions of responsibility.

 

As for the hadith you have cited, it is not sound or well attested; Imam At-Tirmidhi who judged it as strange; and said it originates from Salih al-Mirri who is not a reliable transmitter of traditions; and his transmissions are not confirmed or attested by others. Imam Abu Dawud, Nasa’ and Dhahabi considered it as weak.

 

We should guard against attributing dubious and doubtful statements to the Prophet, peace be upon him, as he has warned us against it in no uncertain terms: Whoever misattributes something to me let him find his abode in hell-fire.”

 

By transmitting dubious traditions as if they were genuine Prophetic traditions we end up distorting Islam. Imam Malik set an example for all of us to follow with regard to such matters: Imam Ash-Shafi`i, his disciple, said of him: “Imam Malik was a true judge who could easily discriminate sound traditions from spurious ones; his policy was to reject any doubtful tradition.”

 

Traditions that are derogatory to women fall into this category. They smell misogyny. It is high time for us to purge the Islamic sources of misogyny and patriarchy. That is the only way we can assert the Quranic principle of gender equality.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.