Women’s Education in Islam

Education is the act of giving knowledge to others or receiving knowledge from others. Education is the modification of behaviour and the acquisition of knowledge and skill. Education is a lifelong process that starts at birth and ends at death.

Islamic view on education and women’s education 

In Islam, both men and women are obligated to seek knowledge. In fact, the first word of the Qur’an revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was “Iqra,” which means “read.” This indicates the importance of acquiring knowledge in Islam.

However, women’s education has been a controversial topic throughout history. While some Islamic scholars argue that women should be educated, others claim that women’s education is not mandated by the Quran and is therefore not required.

The majority of Islamic scholars agree that women should be educated. They argue that women’s education is necessary in order to fulfil their duties as wives and mothers. In addition, educated women can contribute to society in many ways, such as by working in healthcare, teaching, or running businesses. 

Moreover, the Qur’an and Hadith promote equality between men and women and emphasise the importance of acquiring knowledge. Therefore, scholars argue that there is no reason why women should not be educated. However, a number of anti-Islamic propagandists spread false comparisons and demotivate younger girls through fabricated translations. 

According to the Quran, Muslim men and women are “equal in the eyes of God.” In verse 20:114, it is said, “And say, “My Lord, increase me in knowledge.” Other verses exhort Muslims to learn about the natural world and to reflect on the signs of God in creation (Quran 3:191, 31:20), which would presumably include learning about the human body and mind. There are many examples of women mentioned in the Quran, including Mary, the mother of Jesus, the wives of prophets, and more.

Some Quranic versus and Hadith about education, especially women’s education

‘Can those who have knowledge and those who do not be alike?’ So only the wise do receive the admonition.

al-Zumar, 39:9

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Seeking knowledge is a duty for every Muslim (male and female).”

Ibn Majah

Women who are mentioned in quran

There are four verses in the Quran that mention women by name. 

The first verse is about Mary, the mother of Jesus, and is found in Surah 3, verse 33. The second verse is about Asiya, the wife of Pharaoh, and is found in Surah 66, verse 11. The third verse is about the wife of Imran, and is found in Surah 3, verse 35. The fourth verse is about the wives of the Prophet Muhammad, and is found in Surah 33, verse 50.

Emphasis on women’s education in Islam

There are a number of reasons why the Muslim religion places a greater emphasis on the education of women. First, women are responsible for the education of children. It is believed that if mothers are educated, they will be better able to raise their children properly. Second, educated women are less likely to be influenced by superstitious beliefs. Third, educated women are less likely to commit moral crimes, such as adultery. Finally, educated women are more likely to be able to contribute to the development of their communities. Islam does not mandate that women receive an education. However, it is strongly encouraged.

In fact, many Muslim countries have made it mandatory for girls to attend school. In addition, there are a number of Islamic schools that are specifically for girls.

The Quran says that both men and women have a right to education. It is a duty for both parents to ensure that their children receive an education. Girls and boys should be treated equally in terms of education. 

The sunnah teaches that women should be educated in religious and secular matters. They should be able to read and write and be knowledgeable about their religion.

Disadvantages of Co-education

Lack of attention is one of the main drawbacks of co-education from a general perspective. Since opposite sexes naturally attract one another, they lose focus on their education and their temperament.

Co-education in Islam

Some scholars argue that Islamic teachings promote segregated education, while others argue that co-education can be permissible if certain rules are followed. In general, co-education should be avoided in Islamic societies. Islamic teachings emphasise modesty and discourage intermingling between sexes. Therefore, co-education can lead to distractions, which can lead to improper behavior. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “No man should be alone with a woman unless there is a mahram (close male relative) present.” This shows that Islam discourages any interaction between sexes in which one of them is unaccompanied by a mahram.

It is important to note that co-education in Islamic societies should be gender-segregated. This means that men and women should be taught in separate spaces, with only minimal contact or interaction between them. Teachers should also be of the same gender as the students they are educating in Islam.

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