THE IMPORTANCE OF WOMEN'S EDUCATION IN ISLAM

 Assoc. Prof. IZZETULLAH ZEKI 

📚 THE IMPORTANCE OF WOMEN'S EDUCATION IN ISLAM

1. Seeking Knowledge is Obligatory for Every Muslim

In Islam, acquiring knowledge is obligatory for every individual, regardless of gender.

➡️ Hadith:

"Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim man and woman."

(Ibn Mājah, Muqaddimah, 17)

This hadith makes it clear that a woman's right to education is not merely a privilege—it is a religious duty. Islam commands both men and women to learn.

2. The Qur'an Encourages Learning and Reflection

The Qur’an repeatedly emphasizes the value of knowledge, contemplation, and reason—without making any gender distinctions.

➡️ "Are those who know equal to those who do not know?"

(Surah Az-Zumar, 39:9)

This verse highlights that knowledge elevates a person’s status. Since women are individually accountable before God, they too must seek knowledge to fulfill their duties.

3. Prophet Muhammad’s Example

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) placed great importance on women’s education. He taught women, invited them to attend his sermons at the mosque, and patiently answered their questions.

➡️ Aisha (RA):

One of the greatest female scholars in Islamic history. After the Prophet’s passing, even male companions would come to her for legal rulings. She was highly knowledgeable in hadith, jurisprudence, medicine, and poetry.

➡️ About the Women of the Ansar:

"How excellent the women of the Ansar are! They are not shy in learning about their religion." (Bukhari, Book of Knowledge, 36)

This hadith praises women who actively sought religious knowledge without hesitation.

4. The Role of an Educated Woman

An educated woman:

Teaches her family about Islam,

Raises her children with awareness and morals,

Contributes to the ethical and intellectual strength of society.

A mother who is educated becomes not just an individual, but a guide for future generations.

➡️ Arab Proverb:

"If you educate a man, you educate an individual. If you educate a woman, you educate a nation."

5. Pioneering Female Scholars in Islamic History

Throughout Islamic history, women have excelled in both religious and secular sciences. Some examples include:

Fatima al-Fihri: Founded the University of Al-Qarawiyyin in 859 CE in Morocco—considered one of the oldest universities in the world.

Rufaidah al-Aslamiyyah: Known as the first female surgeon in Islam.

Nusaybah bint Ka‘b: A warrior and a woman of knowledge.

These examples show that Islam provided opportunities for women to grow intellectually and serve society.

CONCLUSION:

Islam granted women the right to education over 1,400 years ago—and more than that, made it a religious obligation. Women's education is not only a right in Islam, but a duty. Any act of depriving women of education today contradicts the true teachings of Islam. Educated women are vital to the development of the individual, the well-being of the family, and the future of the entire society.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. IZZETULLAH ZEKI 

BURDUR MEHMET AKİF EROS UNIVERCITY