Al Haqeeqa
Education is a fundamental human right, essential for personal growth, societal development, and economic progress. However, girls, in particular Muslim girls, faces numerous challenges that hinder their access to quality education. Despite the various efforts being made to address these barriers, Muslim girls are still lagging behind in educational attainment compared to other communities. This issue has become a topic of concern for policymakers, educators, and social activists.
One of the most significant reasons of Muslim girls lagging behind in education is poverty. Poverty forces families to prioritise immediate financial needs over long-term educational goals. The lack of access to quality schools and learning materials, particularly in rural and underdeveloped areas, exacerbates the situation. Cultural norms and traditions within some Muslim communities may restrict the mobility and education of girls. There is often a preference for boys over girls when it comes to allocating resources for education. In certain conservative families, the belief that girls should focus on domestic duties or early marriage restricts their access to formal education. Some families are hesitant to send their daughters to co-educational schools, believing it may lead to exposure to influences they deem inappropriate or un-Islamic. Child marriage remains prevalent in some parts of the Muslim community, especially in rural areas. Early marriage leads to early motherhood, which significantly disrupts a girl’s education. Once married, girls are often expected to take on domestic roles, leaving little time or opportunity for further schooling. The prevalence of child marriage is a significant barrier to the educational advancement of Muslim girls, as it cuts short their educational journey. A lack of awareness about the importance of education for girls, coupled with insufficient advocacy for women’s rights, results in many Muslim girls not being encouraged to pursue education. In many cases, families are simply unaware of the long-term benefits that educating girls can have on their families and communities. Without strong advocacy at the community level, the value of girls’ education remains overlooked in some parts of the Muslim population. Some individuals and groups may misuse religious texts to argue against educating girls, claiming that Islam discourages women’s participation in public life or formal education. Such interpretations are not reflective of the core principles of Islam, but they persist in certain communities. This has led to misconceptions and resistance to sending girls to school, especially in regions where conservative views dominate.
Islamic teachings unequivocally support the education of both men and women. The Quran and Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) stress the importance of acquiring knowledge as a means of personal development and societal betterment. The Quran makes it clear that seeking knowledge is a commandment for every Muslim, regardless of gender. The famous verse “Read in the name of your Lord who created” (Quran 96:1) underscores the importance of learning and intellectual growth. Furthermore, the Quran emphasizes the equality of men and women in terms of spiritual and intellectual capabilities. Surah Al-Alaq (96:1-5) calls for the acquisition of knowledge without distinction of gender, and Surah At-Tawbah (9:71) affirms the active role of women in contributing to the welfare of society, including through education. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also stressed the importance of educating women. He said, “Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim” (Sunan Ibn Majah). The use of the word “every” in this Hadith signifies that education is not gender-specific but is a responsibility for both men and women. Another well-known Hadith states, “The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it” (Sahih al-Bukhari), a principle that applies equally to both genders. The Prophet Muhammad’s encouragement of women’s education is also demonstrated through his interactions with women scholars. Several women in early Islamic history, such as Aisha bint Abi Bakr, are renowned for their knowledge and their contributions to Islamic scholarship. In the early Islamic period, women were active participants in both acquiring and disseminating knowledge. Aisha, the wife of the Prophet Muhammad, is remembered as a great scholar and teacher. She passed on many Hadiths and was consulted by many of the male companions of the Prophet for her knowledge. Moreover, during the early years of Islam, Muslim women attended schools and universities alongside men. In cities like Baghdad and Cairo, women excelled in fields such as medicine, mathematics, and literature. Education is not only seen as a personal benefit but also as a social duty. In Islam, educating women is seen as a means of improving the family and society. An educated woman is better equipped to contribute to the welfare of her family, educate her children, and actively participate in social and economic development. Islam encourages societies to build educational systems that cater to the needs of both men and women.
In order to address the educational disparities faced by Muslim girls in India, several measures can be taken. The Government and NGOs must work together to improve access to schools, especially in rural areas where education infrastructure is lacking. This can include setting up girls’ schools, providing scholarships, and offering free educational materials. There is a need for widespread awareness campaigns to educate Muslim communities about the importance of girls’ education. These campaigns can be led by local religious leaders, educators, and community influencers who can counter misconceptions and highlight the benefits of educating girls. Community leaders and religious scholars must play a proactive role in advocating for girls’ education. They can use Islamic teachings to challenge harmful cultural norms that prevent girls from attending school and empower families to support their daughters’ education. The Government can enforce stricter laws against child marriage and incentivize families to keep girls in school. Policies that provide financial support to poor families, such as scholarships and free education, can go a long way in reducing the dropout rate among Muslim girls. While Muslim girls in India face various challenges in accessing education, these obstacles are not insurmountable. Islam, in its core teachings, advocates for the education of women and girls, and there is a growing recognition within the Muslim community of the need to empower girls through education. By addressing socio-economic, cultural, and religious barriers, we can ensure that Muslim girls are not left behind and that they can contribute to the development of their families, communities, and society at large.
– Resham Fatima,
Masters in International Relations,
Jawaharlal Nehru University
