Does a woman's assumption of power not contradict the Prophetic Hadith: "A people who entrust their affairs to a woman will never prosper," especially since developed nations are governed by women?

Indeed, Allah is just in His rulings. He has distinguished men and women with things suitable for the innate nature of each gender. Among these is the supreme leadership (wilayah al-uzma) which Allah has made exclusive to men. This is supported by the authentic hadith narrated by al-Bukhari from Abu Bakrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: When news reached the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) that the people of Persia had appointed a daughter of Khosrau as their ruler, he said: "(Never will a people who appoint a woman to govern them succeed)."

The majority of scholars have agreed on the condition of masculinity for general leadership, and that it is not permissible for women to assume it. The Imam and the judge need to be prominent and undertake the affairs of the Muslims, and a woman is awrah (private/concealed) and is not suitable for prominence.

As for some women assuming leadership in developed countries, the answer is as follows: 1. The success denied in the hadith is absolute success in both religious and worldly matters, and it does not deny success in worldly matters alone. 2. Scriptural texts are often general rather than absolute, so women holding general leadership positions is a rare occurrence, and what is rare has no ruling [i.e., does not set a general precedent]. 3. The president in these countries does not make decisions alone; rather, they are governed by a constitution, law, and councils. Thus, it is a nominal, not a true, leadership.

In conclusion, the rulings of Islamic law come from a Wise, All-Knowing One who knows what is best for us in this world and the hereafter. Whoever believes and submits to the judgment of Allah and His Messenger will have a good life.