How important is Education for Muslims?

Education is the foundation of knowledge and knowledge is considered to be one of the greatest power that is even more powerful than wealth. Education is the key  to a more fulfilling life. However, the significance of education is taken very lightly among many groups of Muslims especially for girls. Higher and quality education for Muslim girls is still considered to be a taboo and given very less priority. We need to spread more awareness about the same and ensure that education among Muslim girls is made very fundamental to their overall development.

The first verses of the Qur’an began with the word:

“Read. Read in the name of thy Lord who created; [He] created the human being from blood clot. Read in the name of thy Lord who taught by the pen: [He] taught the human being what he did not know.” (96: 1-5).

The Qur’an says.

“Are those who have knowledge equal to those who do not have knowledge?!”(39:9).

Muslim women convert houses into homes and wildness into humanity, it is very important that their minds are backed up with the knowledge of Deen and Duniya both. In this regard, we need to develop the Muslim society as a whole. education is not only about marks and degrees but it results in complete transformation of a person. Education brings self-awareness and the light of enlightenment is very crucial for the upliftment of every Muslim. When a person is self-aware, he knows his desires, motives, and dreams. Education helps to bring a meaningful direction in one’s life where his or her actions are guided in the right direction.

The Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him and his progeny) has also empha­sized the importance of seeking knowl­edge in different ways:

• Time: “Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave.”
• Place: “Seek knowledge even if it is far as China.”
• Gender: “Seeking of knowledge is a duty of every Muslim”
• Source: “Wisdom is the lost prop­erty of the believer, he should take it even if finds it in the mouth of a mushrik.”

So many times, we have talked about the role of women in society as well as their role in shaping their families. Considering this, how can we ignore the fact that education is not vital for women? Till today, women are deprived of equal education opportunities merely because of the fact that they have to get married and it is unnecessary for a woman to receive education and then sit idle at home. This is a very limited approach but unfortunately is seen among many Muslim families. If we want a better future for our Muslim sisters, we need to spread awareness about the importance of education among Muslim girls. only education has the capability to make Muslims more powerful and worthy in today’s world.