Why is a woman’s testimony half that of a man?

Start writing...One of the most discussed and criticized complaints about Islam is: “Why is a woman’s testimony half that of a man?” In the light of Western philosophy, atheism, and modern feminist consciousness, many use this issue as ‘proof of women’s humiliation’. Their argument is—how can a woman be a complete person if her testimony is half? The answer to this question will become clear only if we deeply analyze it not only in the light of the Quran and Sunnah, but also in the light of Islamic principles, context, and legal philosophy. Islam did not humiliate here, but rather maintained the balance of justice by considering the nature, social system, and reality of women.

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Source of the complaint:

The complaint originally comes from Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 282. It says:

> "…and if there are not two male witnesses, then a man and two women, one of whom may remind him if he makes a mistake…"

This verse is originally said in a specific context—in the case of testimony regarding a business contract. It is not about any general testimony, criminal or family testimony. But critics generalize this specific verse and create confusion by saying that ‘in Islam, the testimony of a woman is half in all cases’.

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First, it does not apply in all cases:

Many do not know that in Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), the testimony of a woman is not considered half in all cases. There are many cases where the testimony of a woman is the only one that is acceptable, such as:

The testimony of a woman is conclusive in proving childbirth and breastfeeding.

In matters related to veiling, where men do not have access, the testimony of a woman is acceptable even in cases where men do not have access.

In matters such as domestic strife, female abuse, or pregnancy, the woman's statement is considered the true testimony.

Imam Shafi'i, Imam Malik, and the Hanafi schools of thought have all recognized the sole testimony of a woman as valid in certain cases. Therefore, the idea that a woman's testimony is always half is a direct misrepresentation of Islamic Sharia.

Secondly, what does testimony mean?

‘Testimony’ (Shahada) does not simply mean telling the truth. It is a social responsibility. In the judicial system, giving testimony means providing information to the court that will be used to determine the rights or crimes of another person. That is, it is a trust and a means of establishing justice in society.

If a witness makes a mistake, an innocent person may be convicted, or a guilty person may be acquitted. Therefore, testimony is seen as a very serious responsibility in Islam. The question of qualification for this responsibility depends not only on knowledge or honesty, but also on mental preparation, experience and positional perspective.

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Thirdly, why two women in business?

The verse that says “one man and two women” is related to business transactions. Now the question arises—why are the number of women doubled in this case?

Here Islam did not show the mental weakness of women, but rather considered the natural characteristics and social context of women based on reality. In the era of the Prophethood, and even today, most women are not directly involved in business and commerce. They are naturally less accustomed to this world, less involved. For this reason, the risk of making mistakes or forgetting is somewhat greater—especially in the case of complex economic calculations or contracts.

Allah says: "…if one of them makes a mistake, the other can remind him…"

This phrase is very humane and logical. There is no sign of humiliation here, but rather, so that women do not have to take responsibility alone, so arrangements are made for each other to help each other.

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Fourthly, there are such precedents in the modern judicial system:

Even today, the laws of different countries take into account factors such as competence, impartiality, previous experience, mental state, etc. in taking testimony. Whether a testimony will be admissible or not depends on many factors. Age, mental state, drinking, interests – all these can reject testimony.

Islam has also set some conditions for accepting testimony in the judiciary, such as: fairness, wisdom, memory, trustworthiness, etc. Both men and women may lag behind each other in all these conditions. However, women's limited experience in business matters has gained importance in this regard.

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Fifth, in the eyes of the Quran, women and men are equal in status:

Allah says: “To each of you, whether male or female—whoever believes and does righteous deeds—We will surely give them a good reward and make their life perfect.” (Surah An-Nahl 16:97)

There is no difference between men and women in this verse. The Quran never says that a woman's value or status is half that of a man. Rather, some things are determined separately according to their duties, responsibilities, and social status.

Testimony is also like that—a specific social role where women are ahead in some areas, and men in others. For example: business, leadership in war, or decisions about armed security—men are more present in this place. On the other hand, motherhood, pregnancy, and maintaining modesty—these are areas of sole authority for women. So equality does not mean that men and women will do the same work in all areas; rather, it means dividing the responsibilities according to the role of each and maintaining the balance of justice.

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Last words:

"A woman's testimony is half" — this is a fragmentary reading of a verse, which is said in a special context. Islam has not reduced the status of women, but has provided such provisions based on reality and social experience so that no party is oppressed.

In today's era, where women are also participating equally in business and commerce, many scholars in fiqh discussions mention the need for restructuring and contextual review of these. The basic principle of Islam is never to humiliate women, but to establish justice.