Can women become Alimah/Mufti/political leader ?

Question:

Asalam walaykum, I am curious what is the highest religious/scholarly/political rank a woman can attain. And what is the knowledge on a woman having a car and driving a vehicle. Jazakallah Khairan

Answer:

In the name of Allah, the most compassionate the most merciful,

Assalamu Alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu

1)The Shariah has not prevented women from becoming scholars or muftis, rather it has encouraged the seeking of knowledge for men and women alike.

“The condition to become a Mufti is that one should be mukallaf (old enough to be responsible for their actions), a Muslim, a trustworthy person, to be free from anything that denotes fisq (outwardly sinful behavior), to have a clear mind and resonant thinking, to have correct ways of conducting themselves and deducing rulings. Whether that person is a slave or free person, woman, blind or a mute.”

In fact, one of the people who narrated the most aḥādīth from the Prophet (peace be upon him) was none other than his wife Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her). She narrated 2210 aḥādīth, contributing significantly regarding the personal life of our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) and providing insight into his daily life. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) was known in Madinah for her vast knowledge.

2) Political rank of women:

Women are highly encouraged to stay at home in Islam and to do the correct tarbiyyah of her family, to assume a political position today would constitute breaking dozens of Islamic laws and commandments. It would not be allowed for a women to assume a political position in todays time.

3) Women can own a vehicle and they can drive by themselves provided they do not go beyond the “resident limit” set by Islam, which is about 48 miles and rules of Hijab are properly observed.

And Allah knows best

Mufti Umer Farooq Saleem