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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Woman’s Dignity in the Words of Amir Ul-muminin Ali Ibn Abi Talib Can you give an explanation on Imam’s (P) prohibition on consultation with woman mentioned in Nahjul Balaghah? The Imam’s (P) prohibition has a particular reference. Nobody can find an instance in Imam’s (P) maxims where consultation with woman in general has been prohibited.

It is clear that we must consider the following different dimensions on understanding a tradition: Text of tradition and understanding the content. Authority and chain of transmissions of tradition Basis and background of the traditions (Martyr Sadr focused on this component)5 The first two components are usually in general sense, but the Imam's (P) taking of a stand is not general, therefore, it cannot be considered as a standing example.

In fact, the prohibition on consultation with women has been issued as a command for the conduct of a woman who caused a crisis in the Islamic system in that era. The basis of a tradition may be for a political, social or thought crisis. The reason that we cannot have a general consideration is the very practice of the Imam (P). If he believed these characteristics as the best for a woman in any condition, why did he keep silent towards Zeinab Al-Kubra (P)?

Or why was there no reaction from him with regards to Her Eminence Zahra (P) and how she defended herself? It has been quoted that the Holy Prophet (P) stated to His Holiness Ali (P): "My dear Ali, if you want to consult with my daughter Fatimah (P) after my departure, act upon what she would say, because Gabriel is the one who addresses her and she would say nothing from herself.

Another point, which must be considered in relation to the content of traditions, is the consensus of the people and cultural condition at the time when the traditions were quoted. The predominant culture in the Arabian peninsula with its aristocracy, woman denigration and many others, could not have been changed for a night or even 20 years, influencing views and opinions inevitably, some parts of the statements of Imam Ali (P) have been recorded with a mixture of concepts of that culture.

In some instances, some parts of Imam’s (P) words, the former, the latter or the part approved through the consensus of the people may have been recorded.