مسئلہ کفائت اور عدم کفائت سادات: ایک فقہی و سماجی مطالعہ قرآن، سنت اور فقہاء کی روشنی میں

The Issue of Kafa’ah and Non-Kafa’ah among Sayyids: A Jurisprudential and Socio-Religious Study in the Light of the Qur’an, Sunnah, and Juristic Opinions

Abstract

The issue of kafa’ah (equivalence in marriage) has remained a significant topic in Islamic jurisprudence and social practice, particularly in relation to the descendants of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), commonly referred to as Sayyids. This research examines the concept of kafa’ah from its linguistic roots, jurisprudential interpretations, and social applications, with a specific focus on Sayyid marriages. Linguistically, kafa’ah refers to equality or equivalence, while in jurisprudential discourse it denotes compatibility between spouses in aspects such as lineage, religion, profession, financial stability, and social status. Within Hanafi jurisprudence, the issue gains special importance in the context of Sayyids, whose honor and dignity are considered sacrosanct, making their marital compatibility a matter of both legal and ethical concern. The study explores classical and modern juristic opinions, highlighting views from scholars such as al-Sarakhsi and al-Shami, who emphasized the preservation of harmony and the prevention of social discord through careful adherence to kafa’ah principles. The research also sheds light on the position of Sayyids within Islamic law, the prohibition of zakat upon the Prophet’s household, and the significance of spiritual lineage. Moreover, it examines the balance between religious equality and social customs, arguing that while Sayyid identity commands respect, the essence of marriage in Islam is rooted in faith, piety, and moral integrity rather than lineage alone. Ultimately, this study provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the dynamics of kafa’ah in Sayyid marriages, offering practical guidance for Muslim societies in addressing contemporary challenges of marital compatibility.