Tallat Batool
The religion whose first revelation’s first word indicates was IQRA meaning read clearly indicates the importance of knowledge and education in Islam without any discrimination. The holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) sent as the teacher to the humanity.
In Quran ALLAH almighty say:
‘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 Islam always focuses on the betterment of the humanity and education is a very important factor for the betterment of the humanity so how can we thinks the Islam will remain quite on the aspect. Before the advent of Islam women has no position in the society. They were in the mercy of men and were treated no good then cattle. It was no other religion but Islam who vindicated the rights of women. They were granted all fundamental rights.
Islam is the unique religion in this respect to endow woman with equal rights and to put her on the same level with man. The Holy Quran emphasises that God in His perfect wisdom has created all species; as is said:
“O mankind, be mindful of your duty to your Lord, Who created you from a single soul and form it created its mate and from the two spread many men and women.” (4:2)
These verses show that the Holy Quran has given woman the same status which has been given to man as the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be up man on Him) said:
“All people are equal, as equal as the teeth of a comb. There is no claim of merit of an Arab over a non- Arab or of white over a black person or of a male over a female. Only God-fearing people merit a preference with God.”
The above verse from the holy Quran and the sayings of Muhammad (peace be upon him) confirms all the social and political rights of the women, which men enjoys. Islam teaches that education of men and women is of equal importance. The Holy Quran holds learning as priceless and tells that only the learned can understand the signs of God and His wisdom, and come close to Him. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) has said:
“It is the duty of every Muslim man and woman to seek knowledge.”
The Holy prophet had keen interest in the education of women. His first wife hazrat Khadija one of the few educated women at that time. She was business women. Hazrat Ayesha another wife of prophet was highly learned and he is reported to have said to his companions learn half of the faith from Ayesha. After the death of the Holy prophet his companions frequently asked her for guidance in matters on which there was a difference of opinion and she was considered an authority on many vital issues and a large number of authentic traditions were narrated by her. Almost more than 2210 hadiths are been narrated by hazrat Ayesha. She had a great love for learning and became known for her intelligence and sharp sense of judgment. Her life also substantiates that a woman can be a scholar, exert influence over men and women and provide them with inspiration and leadership. The view which is given all over the world that Islam is against the education of women which is totally wrong The example of Ayesha in promoting education, particularly education of women in the laws and teachings of Islam, is a hallmark in female education in Islam. Because of the strength of her personality, she was a leader in every field of knowledge, in society and in politics.
Conclusively, the take away message in the article is that Islam promotes education, particularly girls’ education. Had it not been so, the world would not have witnessed the transformation of a society plunged in anarchy and hegemony into one enlightened with critical thinkers and scholars, all in the span of twenty-three years.