ULAMA PEREMPUAN DAN ARGUMENTASI TEOLOGIS MEMBANGUN RUANG DOMESTIK SETARA

Abstract

This article explains the arguments of female scholars regarding the concept of an equal domestic sphere for both men and women. The study is based on qualitative research with data drawn from the works of Indonesian female scholars. The findings reveal that the notion of an equal domestic sphere emerges from the reinterpretation and understanding of female scholars toward the Qur’an and Hadith, grounded in seven key arguments: Tawhid (monotheism), the Mandate of Caliphate, Righteous Deeds (Amal Shaleh), Mutual Kindness (Mu’asyarah bil Ma’ruf), Tranquility and Happiness (Sakinah), Cooperation (Ta’awun), and Good Exemplary Conduct (Uswah Hasanah). Furthermore, Prophet Muhammad also provided examples of male involvement in domestic responsibilities. Thus, the domestic sphere in Islam is understood as a shared responsibility between husband and wife in household tasks and child-rearing. Conversely, the division of roles based on gender differences in domestic and public spheres is largely the result of textual interpretations of religious texts and patriarchal cultural practices, which contribute to gender inequality. Therefore, the spirit of Islamic teachings and the Prophet’s example emphasize the domestic sphere as a shared and equal space for men and women in order to build families characterized by sakinah, mawaddah, and rahmah.