Prophet promoted liberation for women

THE Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him) came at a time when the Arab society, like so many patriarchal societies at that time, was rife with abhorrent practices against girls. He preached Islam, liberating women and girls in every walk of life, education being a prime aspect.

All his wives were well educated, cultivating a culture of intellectualism among all Muslim women. The study of the life of the Holy Prophet also shows that he himself made special arrangements for the education and training of women.

In modern times, those who disapprove of girls’ education are not speaking from a sound religious perspective, but rather a limited view that does not represent all Muslims and in no way represents the position of Islam itself. In reality, there is nothing in the teachings of Islam that prevents the education of girls – the truth is quite the contrary, as we have seen.

When we think of Muslim women, the mainstream media rarely celebrates them as career-orientated. Myths abound of them allegedly feeling too “trapped” to work or having to “pick” between their faith and their career.

Islam has sanctioned the right for education for all Muslim women. If some Muslims don’t believe in allowing their daughters to go to school, to learn to read, to pursue and to succeed in their respective careers, then it’s the beliefs and practices of such Muslims, and not Islam.

To the daughters of Islam, I say to always remember Prophet Muhammad’s (mpbuh) declaration: “Education is obligatory upon every Muslim man and woman” (Tirmidhi).

SHIREEN LAKHI