<![CDATA[Background: Women’s leadership in Islam has long been a subject of debate among classical and contemporary Muslim scholars. In the modern context, this discourse has become increasingly relevant along with the growing awareness of gender equality and human rights. One of the verses frequently used as the basis for this discussion is Qur'an Surah Al-Nisa verse 34. This study aims to analyze the comparative interpretation between Ibn Kathir as a representative of classical exegetes and Yusuf al-Qardhawi as a contemporary exegete regarding women’s leadership. The research method employed is qualitative research based on library research using the Muqarran (comparative) method by comparing two interpretations that differ in background, scholarship, and context. The results of the study indicate differences in the interpretations of Ibn Kathir and Yusuf al-Qardhawi concerning verses related to women’s leadership. According to Ibn Kathir, men are considered more entitled to hold leadership authority both within the family and in the public sphere, supported by the Prophet’s hadith. Meanwhile, Yusuf al-Qardhawi argues that women may become leaders over men under certain conditions. The conclusion of this study shows a paradigm shift in interpretation from textual to contextual approaches between classical and contemporary exegetes in understanding the role of women in leadership. Contemporary exegetes tend to permit women to become public leaders provided that they fulfill the conditions determined by Islamic law.]]>
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