In today's world, misconceptions about Islam and women's education are widespread. Many assume that Islam discourages women from seeking knowledge, confining them to household duties.
But is this true?
The reality is that Islam not only allows but actively encourages women to seek knowledge, teach it, and contribute to Islamic scholarship. The Qur’an, Sunnah, and the actions of the Salaf prove this beyond any doubt.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ ensured that women had access to learning, named them alongside men in his teachings, and praised their role in preserving and spreading knowledge.
From Khadijah رضي الله عنها, the first believer in Islam, to Aishah رضي الله عنها, one of the greatest narrators of hadith—women have always been part of the foundation of Islamic knowledge.
So why do many today question this right? Let's explore how Islam views women’s education and why their role in knowledge is vital for the Ummah.
1. Women Are Equally Responsible for Seeking Knowledge
The command to seek knowledge is general—it applies to both men and women. The Prophet ﷺ famously said:
“Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” (Sunan Ibn Majah: 224)
There is no distinction between men and women in this obligation. In fact, the Prophet ﷺ went out of his way to ensure that women had direct access to knowledge.
When Allah revealed "And warn your closest relatives" (Qur’an 26:214), the Prophet ﷺ gathered his family and said:
“O Safiyyah, aunt of the Messenger of Allah, I cannot help you against Allah. O Fatima, daughter of Muhammad, ask me whatever you want from my wealth, but I cannot help you against Allah.” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 2753)
This warning was not just for men. The Prophet ﷺ addressed the women in his family by name, urging them to learn and act upon knowledge.
2. The Women Who Demanded Knowledge
Women during the Prophet’s ﷺ time were active seekers of knowledge. They were not passive or excluded; they took the initiative to request for dedicated learning sessions.
Abu Sa'id al-Khudri رضي الله عنه narrated:
Some women requested the Prophet (ﷺ) to fix a day for them as the men were taking all his time. On that he promised them one day for religious lessons and commandments. Once during such a lesson the Prophet said, "A woman whose three children die will be shielded by them from the Hell fire." On that a woman asked, "If only two die?" He replied, "Even two (will shield her from the Hell-fire). (Sahih al-Bukhari: 101)
The Prophet ﷺ responded positively. He scheduled a day specifically for teaching women. On that day, he educated them directly, proving that Islam values women’s learning.
If knowledge was only for men, why did the Prophet ﷺ ensure women had their own classes?
3. The Role of Khadijah: A Woman Who Strengthened Islam
Khadijah رضي الله عنها was not only the first believer but also the first supporter of knowledge in Islam.
When the Prophet ﷺ received revelation and was shaken with fear, he ran to her saying:
“I fear something may happen to me.”
She comforted him with wisdom and knowledge, saying:
"Never! By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you. You keep good relations with your kith and kin, help the poor and the destitute, serve your guests generously and assist the deserving calamity-afflicted ones." (Sahih al-Bukhari: 3)
Then, she took practical action. She brought him to Waraqah ibn Nawfal, a knowledgeable man, for further guidance. Khadijah’s knowledge and wisdom became the Prophet’s ﷺ first source of strength.
Would Islam honor her this way if women had no role in knowledge?
4. Aishah: The Scholar of the Ummah
Aishah رضي الله عنها is one of the greatest scholars in Islam. She narrated over 2,000 hadith, corrected the mistakes of men in Islamic rulings, and taught generations of scholars.
Urwah ibn Zubayr said:
"I have never seen anyone more knowledgeable in fiqh, medicine, or poetry than Aisha." (Musnad Imam Ahmad: 24380)
The companions of the Prophet ﷺ would seek knowledge from Aishah رضي الله عنها after his passing. She imparted her knowledge from behind a barrier, ensuring that Allah's command was upheld while benefiting both men and women.
Her deep understanding of Islam and precise memory were invaluable to the Sahaba, proving that Islamic scholarship is not specifically restricted to men. Would they have turned to her if women had no role in preserving and transmitting knowledge?
5. The Most Powerful Role a Woman Can Play
Women have a crucial role in transmitting knowledge to the next generation. A mother with knowledge is the first teacher, for her children.
Ibn Badis رحمه الله said:
"The home is the first school, and the mother is the first teacher." (Aathaar ibn Badis: 4/201)
Many great scholars were shaped by their mothers:
- Imam Ash-Shafi’i’s mother ensured he memorized the Qur’an young.
- Imam Ahmad’s mother sent him to seek knowledge early in life.
- Imam Malik’s mother encouraged him to sit in scholarly circles.
A woman who nurtures the next generation of scholars builds an entire Ummah.
Today, some equate women's empowerment with leaving the home, but history shows that shaping future scholars is among their greatest contributions.
How many of the greatest scholars in history would never have emerged if their mothers had not pursued knowledge?
A mother’s understanding of the deen shapes not only her own faith but also the future generations she raises.
When women seek knowledge, they instill wisdom, discipline, and a love for learning in their children, laying the foundation for future imams of the religion. The pursuit of knowledge is not just an individual journey—it is a legacy that continues through generations, influencing entire communities.
Conclusion: A Legacy That Must Continue
Islam does not restrict women from knowledge. The Qur’an, Sunnah, and history all prove that women have always played a vital role in seeking, preserving, and teaching knowledge.
- The Prophet ﷺ personally ensured women learned.
- Female scholars like Aishah, Khadijah and many more of the sahabiyyat shaped Islamic history.
- Women’s education is not a modern concept—it is an Islamic duty.
If we truly want to follow the way of the Prophet ﷺ, we must encourage women to seek knowledge, especially knowledge of the religion.
May Allah grant us the ability to preserve this legacy, educate ourselves and our families, and continue the tradition of knowledge in Islam.
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