Category: Gender Equality and Women’s Rights

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.