Uzma Khatoon

Islam strongly supports education for both men and women. The Quran begins with the command "Read!" (96:1), highlighting the fundamental importance of knowledge and learning. This applies to everyone, regardless of gender. Prophet Muhammad emphasized this further, saying, "Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim" (Sunan Ibn Majah).

He also said, "The best among you (Muslims) are those who learn the Quran and teach it" (Sahih al-Bukhari), encouraging both learning and teaching for all Muslims. The Quran repeatedly stresses the value of knowledge. For example, it asks, "Are those who know equal to those who do not know?" (39:9), showing that knowledge is highly valued in Islam. Another verse states, "Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge by degrees" (58:11), indicating that knowledge elevates one's status in the eyes of Allah.

The Prophet also designated specific times to address women's educational needs. When women requested dedicated instruction, he allocated a weekly session, saying, "Gather on such-and-such a day at such-and-such a place" (Sahih Bukhari 101). This institutionalized women's access to religious and practical knowledge, showing the importance Islam places on women's education.

Furthermore, the Prophet said, "The best among you are those who learn the Quran and teach it" (Sahih al-Bukhari). This praise extends to women, exemplified by Aisha (RA), the Prophet's wife, who taught Islamic jurisprudence to male scholars. Another Hadith states, "Whoever follows a path in pursuit of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise" (Sahih Muslim). The gender-neutral language in these Hadiths underscores equal access to education for both men and women.

Throughout Islamic history, there have been many educated Muslim women who made significant contributions. Aisha, the wife of Prophet Muhammad, was renowned for her vast knowledge and taught many people about Islam. Fatima al-Fihri founded the University of Al-Karaouine in 859 CE, which UNESCO recognizes as the oldest continually-running university in the world. Other notable examples include Nafisa bint al-Hassan, a respected scholar who taught Imam Shafi'i, and Lubna of Cordoba, who was well-versed in mathematics and served as the sultan's secretary.

Muslim Girls in a school doing Yoga

In India, Muslim women face numerous challenges in accessing education. Poverty is a significant barrier, especially in rural areas. Many families can't afford school fees, uniforms, or transportation. Early marriage is another issue that interrupts girls' education. Some parents don't understand how important education is for girls. There are also cultural challenges. Some people misinterpret Islam to justify not educating girls. Traditional gender roles sometimes make people think girls don't need education. Some families worry that secular education might lead girls away from their religious values.

Despite these challenges, education can greatly empower Indian Muslim women. It gives them the skills to get jobs and become financially independent. Educated women are more likely to get employment in healthcare, education, and technology. They can also start their businesses. When women earn money, they usually spend most of it on their families' health and education, which helps the whole community. Education also builds self-confidence.

It helps women understand their rights and participate more in public life. Educated Muslim women are breaking stereotypes and showing they can be active and successful members of society. They're changing how people see Muslim women, demonstrating that Muslim women can be educated, and successful, and still maintain their religious identity.

The impact of educating Muslim women extends to the next generation as well. Children of educated mothers are more likely to receive education themselves, creating a cycle of empowerment. According to a study by the National Council of Applied Economic Research, children of literate mothers have a 50% higher chance of surviving past the age of 5 and 20% more likely to be enrolled in school.

Educated Muslim women are increasingly making their voices heard in politics and civic engagement. They are participating in local governance, joining political parties, and taking on leadership roles in various organizations. For example, Syed Sadia Tabassum became India's first Muslim woman IAS officer from Rajasthan in 2016, inspiring many young girls to pursue higher education and civil services.

To overcome the barriers to education, Islamic teachings can be used as solutions. Families should see education as a religious duty for their daughters, not just a choice. We need to educate communities about what Islam says about women's education. Islamic charity systems like Zakat and Sadaqah can be used to help pay for girls' education. It's also important to create safe learning spaces for girls, maybe with only female teachers.

There are already some good initiatives to help Indian Muslim women get educated. The Right to Education (RTE) Act (2009) provides free education for children aged 6-14. The Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF) provides financial support for higher education to minority students, including Muslim women. Some organizations like the Zakat Foundation of India and Rahmani provide free coaching for competitive exams, helping Muslim girls get into good colleges and jobs.

The Sachar Committee Report (2006) highlighted the educational backwardness of the Muslim community in India, especially women. It found that only 68% of Muslim girls attend school at the primary level, compared to the national average of 72%. At the higher education level, only 3.5% of Muslim women complete graduation, compared to the national average of 6% for women. These statistics underscore the need for focused efforts to improve Muslim women's education in India. However, there are positive trends as well. The literacy rate among Muslim women in India has shown improvement, rising from 50.1% in 2001 to 62.2% in 2011, according to the Census data.

This increase, while encouraging, still leaves room for significant improvement. Education is transforming the lives of many Indian Muslim women. It's helping them become more independent, confident, and able to contribute to their families and society. For example, RehanaRehman from Bihar, who received support from a local NGO, not only completed her education but also became a teacher, inspiring other girls in her village to pursue education.

Education also plays a crucial role in improving health outcomes for Muslim women and their families. Educated women are more likely to understand and access healthcare services, leading to better maternal and child health. They are more aware of the importance of nutrition, hygiene, and preventive healthcare measures.

A study by the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta found that an increase in female literacy is associated with a decrease in infant mortality rates. Moreover, education empowers Muslim women to challenge and change harmful traditional practices. With knowledge comes the ability to question and critically analyze cultural norms that may hamper women's progress.

Educated women are more likely to stand up against practices like early marriage, domestic violence, and gender discrimination. They become voices for change within their communities, advocating for the rights of other women and girls.

Education is a powerful tool for the progress of Indian Muslim women. It aligns with Islamic teachings. It also paves the way for a more inclusive and prosperous society. As more Muslim women gain access to education, we can see positive changes not only within the Muslim community but in society.

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The journey of educating Muslim women is not just about individual advancement; it's about building a more equitable, knowledgeable, and progressive nation. While progress has been made, there are still significant challenges to overcome. Continued efforts are needed from the government, religious leaders, community organizations, and families to ensure that every Muslim girl in India has the opportunity to receive quality education.

Dr. Uzma Khatoon has taught at the Aligarh Muslim University)