At Madrasat El-Qurana, we believe in empowering minds through the timeless teachings of the Quran. When it comes to women’s education, the Quran upholds the value of knowledge for all, regardless of gender.
Education is seen as a fundamental right and responsibility in Islam, and women are equally encouraged to seek knowledge to better themselves and their communities.
Join us as we explore what the Quran says about women’s education, shedding light on the importance of learning for every Muslim woman in today’s world.
10 Verses In Which The Holy Quran Say About Women’s Education
Here are 10 Quranic verses that emphasize the importance of knowledge, learning, and education for all believers, including women.
While the Quran does not specifically mention “women’s education” directly, it stresses the pursuit of knowledge for everyone.
- Surah Al-Alaq (96:1-5)
{اقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ، خَلَقَ الْإِنْسَانَ مِنْ عَلَقٍ، اقْرَأْ وَرَبُّكَ الْأَكْرَمُ، الَّذِي عَلَّمَ بِالْقَلَمِ، عَلَّمَ الْإِنْسَانَ مَا لَمْ يَعْلَمْ}
“Read in the name of your Lord who created. Created man from a clot. Read, and your Lord is the Most Generous—who taught by the pen—taught man what he did not know.”
- Surah Az-Zumar (39:9)
{قُلْ هَلْ يَسْتَوِي الَّذِينَ يَعْلَمُونَ وَالَّذِينَ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ}
“Say, ‘Are those who know equal to those who do not know?’ Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding”
- Surah Taha (20:114)
{وَقُل رَّبِّ زِدْنِي عِلْمًا}
“And say, ‘My Lord, increase me in knowledge”
- Surah Al-Mujadila (58:11)
{يَرْفَعِ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ دَرَجَاتٍ}
“Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees”
- Surah An-Nahl (16:78)
{وَاللَّهُ أَخْرَجَكُم مِّن بُطُونِ أُمَّهَاتِكُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ شَيْئًا وَجَعَلَ لَكُمُ السَّمْعَ وَالْأَبْصَارَ وَالْأَفْئِدَةَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ}
“And Allah brought you out of your mothers’ wombs knowing nothing, and gave you hearing, sight, and minds so that you may be thankful”
- Surah Al-Isra (17:36)
{وَلَا تَقْفُ مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِ عِلْمٌ إِنَّ السَّمْعَ وَالْبَصَرَ وَالْفُؤَادَ كُلُّ أُولَٰئِكَ كَانَ عَنْهُ مَسْئُولًا}
“And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart—about all those [one] will be questioned”
- Surah Al-Imran (3:195)
{فَاسْتَجَابَ لَهُمْ رَبُّهُمْ أَنِّي لَا أُضِيعُ عَمَلَ عَامِلٍ مِّنكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنثَىٰ}
“So their Lord responded to them, ‘Never will I allow to be lost the work of [any] worker among you, whether male or female; you are of one another”
- Surah Fatir (35:28)
{إِنَّمَا يَخْشَى اللَّهَ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ الْعُلَمَاءُ}
“Only those fear Allah, from among His servants, who have knowledge”
- Surah Al-Ankabut (29:43)
{وَتِلْكَ الْأَمْثَالُ نَضْرِبُهَا لِلنَّاسِ وَمَا يَعْقِلُهَا إِلَّا الْعَالِمُونَ}
“And these examples We present to the people, but none will understand them except those of knowledge”
- Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13)
{يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَاكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلْنَاكُمْ شُعُوبًا وَقَبَائِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوا}
“O mankind, We have created you from a male and a female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another”
These verses demonstrate the Quran’s emphasis on the importance of knowledge and understanding for all believers, including women.
The pursuit of education is encouraged in Islam as a means to develop oneself and contribute to society.
What Did The Prophet Say About Education?
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of education and seeking knowledge throughout his life.
His sayings (Hadith) are full of wisdom regarding the significance of learning. Here are some key state ments from the Prophet about education:
1. Seeking Knowledge is Obligatory
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) made it clear that seeking knowledge is a duty for every Muslim, male and female:
“Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah)
This highlights the universal obligation for Muslims to pursue education.
2. Value of Knowledge Over Worship
The Prophet (PBUH) expressed that knowledge holds a higher status than mere acts of worship:
“The superiority of the scholar over the worshiper is like that of the moon over all other heavenly bodies.”
(Sunan Abi Dawud)
This Hadith emphasizes that those who learn and teach are given a greater reward than those who only engage in ritual worship.
3. Rewards for Teaching Others
Teaching and spreading knowledge was highly regarded by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He said:
“When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him.”
(Sahih Muslim)
Knowledge that benefits others, even after a person’s death, is a source of continuous reward.
4. Path to Paradise
The Prophet (PBUH) promised that those who seek knowledge will be guided on the path to Paradise:
“Whoever treads a path in seeking knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise.”
(Sahih Muslim)
This Hadith shows the spiritual importance of acquiring knowledge in Islam.
5. Elevating One’s Status Through Learning
He also stated that knowledge and learning can raise a person’s status both in this world and the Hereafter:
“Allah raises the status of those who believe among you and those who have been given knowledge.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
6. The Best Among People
The Prophet (PBUH) explained that those who teach and share knowledge with others are the best of people:
“The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
This Hadith particularly emphasizes the importance of learning and teaching the Quran, the foundational source of knowledge in Islam.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) consistently encouraged the pursuit of knowledge and made it clear that education is a fundamental aspect of a Muslim’s life.
Through his teachings, he highlighted that learning is not just for personal benefit, but for the benefit of the entire community and the Hereafter.
What Is The Quranic System Of Education?
The Quranic system of education is rooted in the principles and teachings found in the Quran, emphasizing a holistic approach to learning that encompasses both spiritual and practical aspects of life.
This system is designed to guide individuals in their moral, intellectual, and social development. Here’s an overview of key components of the Quranic system of education:
1. Knowledge of Divine Guidance (Ilm)
The foundation of the Quranic educational system is the concept of ‘ilm (knowledge), which includes both revealed knowledge (related to God, faith, and the afterlife) and worldly knowledge (science, arts, and humanities). The Quran encourages the pursuit of knowledge in all its forms.
Seeking knowledge is a continuous process, and the Quran emphasizes expanding one’s understanding of both religious and worldly matters.
2. Moral and Ethical Education
The Quranic system of education places a strong emphasis on developing a person’s moral and ethical character.
It teaches values such as justice, compassion, honesty, patience, and humility, which are essential for personal development and harmonious social interactions.
The Quran teaches that education should not only be about acquiring knowledge but also about nurturing moral integrity and righteousness.
3. Holistic Development
The Quranic system promotes the development of the whole person, including the intellectual, physical, spiritual, and emotional dimensions.
It encourages the balance between material life and spiritual growth, which leads to a well-rounded individual.
Education in the Quran aims to equip individuals to fulfill their roles in society while maintaining a strong relationship with God.
4. Critical Thinking and Reflection
The Quran encourages reflection, inquiry, and critical thinking. Instead of blind following, individuals are urged to ponder the signs of creation and the deeper meanings of life.
This approach fosters intellectual curiosity and independent thought.
The Quran calls upon believers to actively engage with the text and the world around them, fostering a deeper understanding and wisdom.
5. Equality in Education
The Quran promotes equal access to education for all, regardless of gender, race, or social status.
Men and women are both encouraged to seek knowledge and grow in their understanding of the world and their faith.
This verse highlights the value of knowledge and encourages its pursuit by all individuals, breaking down societal barriers.
6. Lifelong Learning
The Quranic system of education is not limited to formal schooling; it promotes lifelong learning.
Muslims are encouraged to seek knowledge throughout their lives, continuously growing and evolving in their understanding of both religious and worldly matters.
7. Community-Oriented Education
The Quran places importance on education that benefits not just the individual but also the wider community. Knowledge is meant to be shared and used for the betterment of society.
Education should foster a sense of responsibility toward others and encourage individuals to contribute positively to the world.
The Quranic system of education is a comprehensive and balanced approach that combines the pursuit of knowledge with the cultivation of ethical and spiritual values.
What Does The Quran Say About Women’s Roles?
The Quran emphasizes the importance, rights, and roles of women in various spheres of life, recognizing their spiritual equality, social responsibilities, and legal rights.
Here are key aspects of what the Quran says about women’s roles, along with verses in Arabic and English:
1. Spiritual Equality
The Quran emphasizes that women and men are spiritually equal before God. Both genders are rewarded or punished based on their actions, not their gender.
“مَنْ عَمِلَ صَالِحًا مِّن ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنثَىٰ وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَلَنُحْيِيَنَّهُ حَيَاةً طَيِّبَةً ۖ وَلَنَجْزِيَنَّهُمْ أَجْرَهُم بِأَحْسَنِ مَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ”
“Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while being a believer – We will surely cause them to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward according to the best of what they used to do.”
“إِنَّ الْمُسْلِمِينَ وَالْمُسْلِمَاتِ وَالْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ وَالْقَانِتِينَ وَالْقَانِتَاتِ وَالصَّادِقِينَ وَالصَّادِقَاتِ… وَالذَّاكِرِينَ اللَّهَ كَثِيرًا وَالذَّاكِرَاتِ أَعَدَّ اللَّهُ لَهُم مَّغْفِرَةً وَأَجْرًا عَظِيمًا”
“Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women… and the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so – for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.”
2. Rights and Responsibilities
The Quran acknowledges women’s legal rights, including the right to inherit and engage in business, stressing their independence in economic and legal matters.
“وَلَا تَتَمَنَّوْا مَا فَضَّلَ اللَّهُ بِهِ بَعْضَكُمْ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ ۚ لِلرِّجَالِ نَصِيبٌ مِّمَّا اكْتَسَبُوا وَلِلنِّسَاءِ نَصِيبٌ مِّمَّا اكْتَسَبْنَ ۚ وَاسْأَلُوا اللَّهَ مِن فَضْلِهِ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمًا”
“And do not wish for that by which Allah has made some of you exceed others. For men is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what they have earned. And ask Allah of His bounty. Indeed, Allah is ever, of all things, Knowing.”
3. Role in Family
Women play a central role in family life, particularly as mothers. The Quran highlights the sacrifices and respect owed to mothers.
“وَوَصَّيْنَا الْإِنسَانَ بِوَالِدَيْهِ ۖ حَمَلَتْهُ أُمُّهُ وَهْنًا عَلَىٰ وَهْنٍ وَفِصَالُهُ فِي عَامَيْنِ أَنِ اشْكُرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيْكَ ۖ إِلَيَّ الْمَصِيرُ”
“And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination.”
4. Education and Knowledge
The Quran encourages both men and women to seek knowledge, without distinction between genders.
“قُلْ هَلْ يَسْتَوِي الَّذِينَ يَعْلَمُونَ وَالَّذِينَ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ ۗ إِنَّمَا يَتَذَكَّرُ أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ”
“Say, ‘Are those who know equal to those who do not know?’ Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding.”
5. Modesty and Conduct
Women, like men, are instructed to maintain modesty in their behavior and appearance.
“وَقُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنَاتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِنَّ وَيَحْفَظْنَ فُرُوجَهُنَّ وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا”
“And tell the believing women to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof.”
6. Equal Accountability
The Quran emphasizes that men and women are equally accountable for their actions, duties, and responsibilities in life.
“وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتُ بَعْضُهُمْ أَوْلِيَاءُ بَعْضٍ ۚ يَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ”
“The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong.”
7. Marriage and Partnership
Marriage in the Quran is based on mutual respect, kindness, and partnership. Men and women are described as garments for each other, symbolizing protection, comfort, and mutual care.
“هُنَّ لِبَاسٌ لَّكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ لِبَاسٌ لَّهُنَّ”
“They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them.”
In summary, the Quran upholds the spiritual and moral equality of men and women, highlighting their respective roles in family life, community, and their relationship with God.
Women are granted rights in inheritance, education, and legal matters, and are encouraged to live modest, responsible lives while being integral to the wellbeing of society.
Does The Quran Support Women’s Rights?
Yes, the Quran supports women’s rights in various aspects, including spiritual, legal, social, and economic rights.
It emphasizes equality between men and women in terms of religious responsibilities and rewards, while also granting women specific rights in inheritance, marriage, and financial independence.
Below are some Quranic verses that highlight these rights, along with their Arabic and English translations:
1. Spiritual Equality
Women and men are equal in their spiritual obligations and rewards.
“إِنَّ الْمُسْلِمِينَ وَالْمُسْلِمَاتِ وَالْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ وَالْقَانِتِينَ وَالْقَانِتَاتِ وَالصَّادِقِينَ وَالصَّادِقَاتِ وَالصَّابِرِينَ وَالصَّابِرَاتِ وَالْخَاشِعِينَ وَالْخَاشِعَاتِ… وَالذَّاكِرِينَ اللَّهَ كَثِيرًا وَالذَّاكِرَاتِ أَعَدَّ اللَّهُ لَهُم مَّغْفِرَةً وَأَجْرًا عَظِيمًا”
“Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women… and the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so – for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.”
2. Legal Rights – Inheritance
The Quran grants women the right to inherit property, which was a revolutionary concept at the time.
“لِلرِّجَالِ نَصِيبٌ مِّمَّا تَرَكَ الْوَالِدَانِ وَالْأَقْرَبُونَ وَلِلنِّسَاءِ نَصِيبٌ مِّمَّا تَرَكَ الْوَالِدَانِ وَالْأَقْرَبُونَ مِمَّا قَلَّ مِنْهُ أَوْ كَثُرَ ۚ نَصِيبًا مَّفْرُوضًا”
“For men is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave, and for women is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave, be it little or much – an obligatory share.”
3. Right to Education
The Quran encourages the pursuit of knowledge for both men and women, without distinction.
اقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِي خَلَق
خَلَقَ الْإِنسَانَ مِنْ عَلَقٍ
اقْرَأْ وَرَبُّكَ الْأَكْرَمُ
الَّذِي عَلَّمَ بِالْقَلَمِ
عَلَّمَ الْإِنسَانَ مَا لَمْ يَعْلَمْ
“Read in the name of your Lord who created – created man from a clinging substance. Read, and your Lord is the most Generous – who taught by the pen – taught man that which he knew not.”
4. Economic Rights – Ownership and Financial Independence
Women have the right to own property, run businesses, and maintain financial independence.
وَلَا تَتَمَنَّوْا مَا فَضَّلَ اللَّهُ بِهِ بَعْضَكُمْ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ ۚ لِلرِّجَالِ نَصِيبٌ مِّمَّا اكْتَسَبُوا وَلِلنِّسَاءِ نَصِيبٌ مِّمَّا اكْتَسَبْنَ ۚ وَاسْأَلُوا اللَّهَ مِن فَضْلِهِ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمًا
“And do not wish for that by which Allah has made some of you exceed others. For men is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what they have earned. And ask Allah of His bounty. Indeed, Allah is ever, of all things, Knowing.”
5. Marital Rights – Mutual Respect and Kindness
The Quran instructs men to treat their wives with kindness and respect, and outlines mutual responsibilities in marriage.
وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِ أَنْ خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَاجًا لِّتَسْكُنُوا إِلَيْهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيْنَكُم مَّوَدَّةً وَرَحْمَةً ۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ
“And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed, in that are signs for a people who give thought.”
6. Right to Divorce
Women have the right to seek divorce in Islam if the marriage becomes unbearable, ensuring their rights are protected.
الطَّلَاقُ مَرَّتَانِ ۖ فَإِمْسَاكٌ بِمَعْرُوفٍ أَوْ تَسْرِيحٌ بِإِحْسَانٍ
“Divorce is twice. Then, either keep [her] in an acceptable manner or release [her] with good treatment.”
7. Role in Family
Women are honored as mothers, and the Quran emphasizes the special status and respect they deserve.
وَوَصَّيْنَا الْإِنسَانَ بِوَالِدَيْهِ ۖ حَمَلَتْهُ أُمُّهُ وَهْنًا عَلَىٰ وَهْنٍ وَفِصَالُهُ فِي عَامَيْنِ
“And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination.”
8. Rights in Society
The Quran emphasizes that men and women are partners in society, promoting justice and supporting one another in good deeds.
وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتُ بَعْضُهُمْ أَوْلِيَاءُ بَعْضٍ يَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ
“The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong.”
9. Rights to Modesty and Dignity
Women are encouraged to maintain their dignity and modesty, just as men are commanded to do the same.
وَقُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنَاتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِنَّ وَيَحْفَظْنَ فُرُوجَهُنَّ
“And tell the believing women to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof.”
10. Financial Rights – Mahr (Dowry)
Women are entitled to a dowry (mahr) in marriage, which is their right and cannot be taken from them.
وَآتُوا النِّسَاءَ صَدُقَاتِهِنَّ نِحْلَةً
“And give the women [upon marriage] their [bridal] gifts graciously.”
At Madrasat El Qurana, we believe that the Quran’s emphasis on the education of women is a timeless message of empowerment and equality.
By promoting knowledge for all, the Quran underscores the critical role women play in shaping informed and enlightened communities.
Join us at Madrasat El Qurana to explore these teachings and support the pursuit of knowledge for every woman, fostering a brighter future rooted in faith, wisdom, and education. Your journey to understanding and growth starts here!
FAQS
Does the Quran explicitly mention women’s education?
The Quran does not explicitly state rules regarding women’s education. However, it emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge for all believers, regardless of gender.
Is it forbidden for women to seek education in Islam?
No, Islam does not forbid women from seeking education.
The Prophet Muhammad stated that “seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim, male and female”.
Are there any specific verses related to women’s education in the Quran?
While there are no specific verses solely focused on women’s education, the Quran promotes the value of knowledge and learning, which applies to both men and women.
What do Islamic teachings say about the role of women and education?
Islamic teachings advocate for women’s rights to education, encouraging them to learn and contribute to society. Many female scholars throughout Islamic history have excelled in various fields.
