Religious Affairs Minister: There is no scriptural basis to discredit women

Indonesia’s Minister of Religious Affairs (Menag) Prof Nasaruddin Umar has stressed that there is no Islamic teaching that discredits women. He made the remarks while attending the 76th anniversary celebrations of Fatayat NU at Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta on Sunday, 17 May 2026. The event also marked the 40th day since the death of Fatayat NU’s former chairwoman, almarhumah Margaret Aliyatul Maimunah. Prof Nasaruddin emphasised the importance of cultivating an approach to male/female relations in Islam that is fair. ‘There is no scriptural basis that can be used to discredit women. All verses addressing gender relations in the Qur’an employ the concept of equality,’ Nasaruddin told thousands of Fatayat NU cadres. The Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque said that many religious interpretations long seen as marginalising women have been more influenced by patriarchical culture at particular times, rather than arising from the substance of Qur’anic teachings. He urged Fatayat NU cadres to have intellectual courage to understand religious texts in a more contextual and gender‑just way. Nasaruddin cited the interpretation of Surah An‑Nisa, verse 34, which has often been translated as ‘men are leaders over women’. He said the Ministry of Religious Affairs is now promoting a more functional understanding. ‘In the past it was translated as ’men are leaders over women’. Now we understand it as a protector of women. So the relationship is functional, not structural,’ he said. He also affirmed that women have the same opportunities to become leaders as long as they have the capacity, integrity, and adequate ability. ‘Women should not feel guilty when leading. If they have the capacity and ability, there is no problem with women becoming leaders,’ he declared. According to Nasaruddin, the contributions of NU women cadres have demonstrated that women can be present in strategic spaces in education, social affairs, governance, and community empowerment. ‘I would not want to exaggerate, but compare whether there are female figures from other organisations as formidable as NU women cadres. Not only in Indonesia, but also in international forums,’ he said. At the event, Ela Siti Nuryamah, Secretary-General of the Fatayat NU Central Board, explained that the 76th Fatayat NU anniversary is not merely a ceremonial occasion but a moment to strengthen the service of Nahdliyin women for the community and the nation. Ela noted that Fatayat has continuously contributed to society for 76 years through social support, education, health, and women’s economic empowerment. ‘Fatayat is present not merely to claim, but to prove itself through concrete steps to empower women across religious life, health, education, and economic empowerment,’ she said. Meanwhile, Andi Majdah M Zain, Special Assistant to the Minister for Improving Women’s Quality of Life, warned that challenges facing women and children are increasingly complex, including violence against women and children, child marriage, human trafficking, and mental health issues among the youth. He revealed that, according to the 2024 National Survey on the Experience of Women’s Lives, one in four women aged 15–64 has experienced physical and/or sexual violence at least once in their lifetime. The 2024 National Survey on the Experience of Children and Adolescents shows that one in two children aged 13–17 has experienced at least one form of violence. ‘The issues facing women and children cannot be resolved by the government alone. It requires collaboration and joint strength, including women’s organisations such as Fatayat NU that have been present from the grassroots,’ he said.