"The Messenger of Allah () once said:  'Acquiring knowledge is compulsory for every Muslim. (At-Tabarani)"¹  

Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr:  "I heard the Prophet () saying, "Allah will not deprive you of knowledge after he has given it to you, but it will be taken away through the death of the religious learned man with their knowledge.  Then there will remain ignorant people who, when consulted will give verdicts according to their opinions whereby they will mislead others and go astray."  Sahih Al-Bukhari 9:410-O.B

This is directed at the knowledge of the Qur'an and Sunnah as no Muslim should be ignorant of their faith whether male or female.  "It also covers other areas of general education which can contribute to the welfare of civilization.  "It is precisely the ignorance about their religion among Muslims that has led to men oppressing women because they believe it is permitted..."²  This is a false presumption because Islamic history has many scholars and teachers of the Faith who were women along with men. Such names as 'Aishah and Hafsah are among those listed. 

It is simple to say that a Muslim woman is allowed to seek an education.  It is hopeful that she will seek an education in fields where it is appropriate.  We have seen the effect of Woman's lib. in the U.S. and I am not against a woman seeking education.  In my opinion, some fields of study are not suitable for women.  This is a personal point of view.

1. The Rights and Duties of Women in Islam by Abdul Ghaffar Hasan; Page 12

2. The Rights and Duties of Women in Islam by Abdul Ghaffar Hasan; Page 12

Send me an e-mail: