Women’s Education and Islam
- Islam's Emphasis on Knowledge: The Qur'an and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stress the importance of education for all, regardless of gender.
- Historical and Religious Precedents: Prominent women in Islamic history, such as Aisha bint Abu Bakr, played significant roles in scholarship, showcasing women's contributions to Islamic knowledge.
- Cultural and Political Barriers: Disparities in women's education are rooted in cultural and socio-political factors, not Islamic teachings, which advocate for equal educational opportunities for both men and women.
Gender inequality is a prevalent accusation often levied against Islam. A key example highlighted by critics is the disparity in educational opportunities between men and women in several Muslim-majority countries. Education serves as a cornerstone for the economic, social, and political development of societies. When over fifty percent of a population is denied this fundamental right, it naturally prompts human rights activists to probe the causes behind such disparities.
Research reveals that in parts of Africa and South Asia, women face significant barriers to education. In some cases, their pursuit of knowledge is outright opposed, deemed secondary to men’s education, or obstructed by numerous restrictions, rendering access to quality education nearly impossible. This reality paints a grim picture of certain Muslim societies, despite the central role of knowledge in Islam. Education is one of the foundational pillars upon which the religion stands. The very first revelation to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) began with the divine command to “read,” underscoring the emphasis Islam places on acquiring knowledge.
Within Islamic teachings, there is no ambiguity about the obligation to seek knowledge. The Qur’an highlights the importance and virtues of knowledge in over 500 instances. The role of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as a disseminator of knowledge and wisdom further emphasizes its significance. Among the Prophet’s essential responsibilities were the recitation of Qur’anic verses, purification of the self, and imparting wisdom and understanding to humanity.
Allah Almighty states in the Qur’an: “Likewise, We have sent you (Our) Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) from amongst yourselves who recites to you Our Revelations and purifies and sanctifies (your hearts and ill-commanding selves) and teaches you the Book and inculcates in your logic and wisdom and enlightens you (on the mysteries of spiritual gnosis and divine truth) which you did not know.”
The Qur’an further reiterates this in another verse: “He is the One Who sent a (Glorious) Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) amongst the illiterate people from amongst themselves who recites to them His Revelations and cleanses and purifies them (outwardly and inwardly) and teaches them the Book and wisdom. Indeed, they were in open error before (his most welcome arrival).”
The use of male pronouns in these commandments does not exclude women. Islamic jurisprudence firmly establishes that commandments using male pronouns address all believers, regardless of gender. Denying this principle would undermine women’s inclusion in fundamental Islamic practices such as prayer, fasting, and pilgrimage. The emphasis placed on knowledge in these verses applies equally to men and women, reinforcing the notion that both genders are entitled to pursue education and enlightenment.
If women are denied access to knowledge or are subjected to unjustified restrictions, several questions arise. How can women adhere to the tenets of their faith without understanding the Qur’anic revelations? How can they acquire the wisdom and insight that Allah intended for all believers? Moreover, without knowledge, how can women teach the fundamentals of faith to future generations? Denying women education not only impacts them but also has far-reaching consequences for society at large.
The Qur’an states: “Say: ‘Can those who know and those who do not be alike?’ So only the wise do receive the admonition.” And: “So only those of His servants who know (of these realities with a vision and outlook) fear Him. Surely, Allah is Almighty, Most Forgiving.” These verses make no distinction between men and women when referencing the virtues of knowledge. If Allah does not impose such restrictions, why do some societies create barriers for women? The teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) further affirm the universality of knowledge.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) declared, “Acquisition of knowledge is binding on all Muslims (both men and women without any discrimination).” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) actively facilitated education for women. Abu Sa’id al-Khudri narrates that a group of women approached the Prophet, expressing concern that men had taken precedence in learning. They requested a specific day for their education. In response, the Prophet allocated a day exclusively for women, during which he provided guidance and taught them Allah’s commandments.
Prominent women in Islamic history serve as examples of female empowerment through knowledge. Aisha bint Abu Bakr, the Prophet’s wife, was a distinguished scholar, jurist, and narrator of hadith. She is credited with narrating over 2,200 traditions and guiding men and women. Her intellectual contributions demonstrate that women were active participants in Islamic scholarship and played a pivotal role in shaping the early Muslim community. Aisha bint Talha, another notable figure, reported that scholars and students from various cities sought her aunt Aisha’s counsel. Her engagement in answering queries and exchanging knowledge highlights the inclusivity of Islamic education.
The Islamic concept of knowledge encompasses a wide array of subjects, both religious and secular. The first revelation of the Qur’an emphasizes this holistic approach: “(O Beloved!) Read (commencing) with the Name of Allah, Who has created (everything). He created man from a hanging mass (clinging) like a leech (to the mother’s womb). Read, and your Lord is Most Generous, Who taught man (reading and writing) by the pen, Who (besides that) taught man (all that) which he did not know.”
The command to “read” reflects the importance of literacy and learning as a foundation for personal and societal growth. This broad understanding of knowledge includes theology, natural sciences, social sciences, and the arts. For instance, references to embryology in the Qur’an demonstrate the encouragement of scientific exploration alongside spiritual learning.
The current disparity in education for women in some Muslim societies is not a reflection of Islamic teachings but rather the result of cultural practices and socio-political factors. Islam unequivocally supports education for all individuals, irrespective of gender. By revisiting and adhering to the principles enshrined in the Qur’an and the teachings of the Prophet, Muslim communities can address these inequities. Facilitating access to education for women is not only a religious obligation but also a critical step toward achieving societal progress and harmony.
In conclusion, Islam’s emphasis on knowledge and education is unparalleled. The barriers women face today are contrary to the egalitarian spirit of the religion. By drawing upon the rich legacy of Islamic scholarship and the examples set by the Prophet (peace be upon him), societies can work toward empowering women through education, ensuring a brighter and more equitable future for all.
The author is pursuing Sharia and Law from International Islamic University Islamabad
