Woman’s Education Rights in Islam

It seems as the western media dictates that Islam is a male dominated religion. There are also misconceptions around a woman’s right to education saying that it is apparently forbidden. This couldn’t be further away from the truth. In a world where misogyny, sexism and inequality are sadly still a reality we face we have been presented with many prominent female figures in Islam that have been proving for centuries that the patriarchy is merely a myth.

“Say: My Lord, increase me in knowledge.” (Surat Ta Ha 20:114). This Quranic verse clearly depicts the right to pursue a passion for education that we have all been blessed with regardless of our gender. Anyone who has a thirst for knowledge and education is able to enlighten him or herself. One particular Islamic scholar whom we have been told of was Umm al-Darda. She was a female Islamic scholar that was shattering the glass ceiling for ages. She was well educated and informed on countless hadiths. So much so, that she was famously quoted saying “I’ve tried to worship Allah in every way but I’ve never found a better one than sitting, debating other scholars.” Umm-al-Darda goes down in history for issuing a fatwa still used today allowing women to pray in the same position as men when seated. She was countlessly seen praying with men side-by-side and, shoulder-to-shoulder with men. She was breaking barriers for ages and embodied the notion of feminism.

Our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) even preached that seeking knowledge is mandated on every Muslim and is an obligation. We have all been given the duty to enlighten ourselves and spread this wisdom to better our lives and of those around us. This idea is reflected on many strong and accomplished female figures in the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) life one of which was the Prophet’s own wife. Aisha bint Abu Bakr, the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) last wife and also Abu Bakr (R)’s daughter was far ahead of her times. Aisha had a thirst for knowledge and did do extensive research on Islam. Aisha bint Abu Bakar was a role model for many as she spent most of her time learning and eventually spreading knowledge to audiences from scholars to orphaned children. She has transmitted numerous hadiths and would regularly be asked to interpret verses from the Quran and offer her guidance to the Islamic community.

Next time anyone says that the Islam is oppressive towards women’s rights they definitely need to take a closer look at The Holy Quran and Hadith. Ambitious women often get overlooked when evaluating a woman’s role and her rights in Islam and deserve to be highlighted for their efforts. Limitations on female education rights are simply a hoax and if anything education and the spread of transmission of knowledge is encouraged.