Family Leadership: An Obligation to Fulfill, Not an Excuse to Abuse

In his latest important contribution to the literature on family matters in Islam, Dr. Mohamed Rida Beshir addresses the challenging topic of Family Leadership (Qawamah) – a concept that is often misunderstood and which is a source of much family strife.
Dr. Beshir provides a two-pronged approach in dealing with this concept and issue: First, he relies on academic research to provide a framework for his readers, and secondly, follows up with his trademark use of practical examples to illustrate the proper and improper use of this concept.
Dr. Beshir starts by providing the meaning of Qawamah as described in various Arabic dictionaries, as well as the way the word is used within a Quranic context. Next, he offers a summary of the various translations of the famous Quranic verse referring to Qawamah, as well as thorough interpretations of the verse by different Islamic scholars. Finally, he presents several key issues relating to the proper understanding of the concept of Qawamah, including Qawamah as an obligation and responsibility, being aware of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى in its application, and the difficult issue of domestic violence.
The entire second half of the book is devoted to practical examples of both the proper and improper use of Qawamah, including the author’s explanations of why a person’s behavior in a particular situation is appropriate or inappropriate.
“….an extremely valuable springboard for further discussion and consideration of a most timely topic that affects every Muslim family in North America. As a Muslim with a doctorate in clinical psychology, it is my professional recommendation that every mosque and Islamic center in North America should use Dr. Beshir’s new book to lead in-depth study and discussion sessions about the role of family leadership within Islam.”
Jerald F. Dirks, M.Div., Psy.D.
Dr. Mohamed Rida Beshir is the co-author of four best-selling books on family issues and parenting: Parenting in the West, Muslim Teens, Blissful Marriage, and Parenting Skills as well as other parenting books in Arabic. Several of his parenting books have been translated into many other languages. Dr. Beshir, who is teaching two parenting courses at the Islamic American University, is a regular contributor to the family section of several Magazines and an adviser for the Islam online website’s family section. Dr. Beshir is the recipient of several awards in the area of education from the City of Ottawa. He is an Engineer by profession, with over 30 years of experience in da’wah work in North America. He has held various volunteer elected positions with MSA, ISNA, and MAS on both national and local levels. He is a regular speaker at ISNA, ICNA, MSA, MAC, and MAS conventions.