Women Work to Help their Husbands to Meet the Family's Needs: a Study of Maqashid Al-Shariah

Abstract

This study examines women’s economic participation in supporting their husbands to meet family needs through the lens of Maq??id al-Shar??ah. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and document analysis involving married working women, their husbands, and religious scholars. The findings reveal that women’s economic contributions are primarily driven by economic necessity and a sense of mutual responsibility within marriage. Women’s work significantly enhances family welfare, particularly in financial stability, education, and health. From the Maq??id al-Shar??ah perspective, women’s economic participation aligns with the preservation of wealth, life, intellect, and lineage, and does not contradict religious principles when conducted ethically. However, women experience a double burden due to unequal domestic responsibilities. The study concludes that women’s economic participation can be understood as an ethical practice consistent with Islamic objectives, highlighting the need for gender-equitable family roles and supportive socio-religious policies.