Islam and Girls’ Education: Obligatory or Forbidden

Abstract

Acquisition of knowledge is binding on all Muslims" (al-Sunan 1:81 §224). This Hadith, sayings or actions of the prophet Muhammad (MPBUH) 1 , indicates that there is no preference based on sex in getting access to education in Islam; however, there is a growing misconception among the people of other religions that Islam constrains Muslim girls from getting education. This paper reviews literature and two authentic sources of Islamic scriptures, which are the Holy Qura'an and the Ahadith to position the girls' education in purview of Islam. It further examines the possible reasons for conflicting interpretations of Islamic teachings. It concludes that Islam does not restrict girls from getting education. It recommends further systematic studies for exploring the reasons for the projection of distorted images of Islam.