The Principle of Participation or Restriction of Women in Religious, Social and Political Fields from the Perspective of Imami and Sunni Jurisprudence

The harm caused by the presence of women in the socio-political spheres is a concern of many religious people. Some of them believe that women's adherence to the rules of religion is violated due to their presence in society, and such presence breaks the limits of Sharia. In addition, they accuse those in charge of religious affairs of negligence in the teachings of religion, and deem it necessary to impose restrictions on the movement of women in today's norm-breaking circumstances. However, whether the behavioral jurisprudence of women really considers the principle of "participation" or "restriction" is a question that the author has answered using the jurisprudential sources of Islamic denominations. All Islamic denominations agree that women, like men, are a large part of human society, and enjoy dignity, honor, individual and social rights, and are accountable to God and religion. But depending on how religious statements are interpreted in some areas, points of view differ in this regard. Therefore, according to the Imamis and a group of Sunnis, the ruling principle is the permission of women to participate in society in accordance with the Sharia, but from the viewpoint of another group of Sunnis, the ruling principle is restriction except when necessary.