The Denial of Education to Muslim Girls in Afghanistan Goes Against the Teachings of Islam

By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 25 June 2024 Gaining Knowledge Is Obligatory for All Muslims, Regardless of Gender Main Points: 1. The pursuit of knowledge is not limited to a particular gender; it is a universal right that is equally bestowed upon both men and women 2. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself explicitly declared the obligatory nature of seeking knowledge for all Muslims. 3. Despite the teachings of Islam, many Muslim girls are denied their right to education. ------ Girls education in Afghanistan/ Photo from File ------- In the context of Islam, education is highly valued, and it is stated in Islam that gaining knowledge is obligatory for all Muslims, regardless of gender. Islam emphasizes the importance of education for both men and women, as it is considered the key to personal growth, empowerment, and societal development. However, in Afghanistan, despite the teachings of Islam, many Muslim girls are denied their right to education, facing significant barriers that prevent them from accessing quality schooling. Historically, Afghanistan has faced decades of conflict and instability, which have had a profound impact on the education system in the country, particularly for girls. During the Taliban regime from 1996 to 2001, girls were prohibited from attending school, and education for women was severely restricted. After the fall of the Taliban regime, positive strides in girls' education were witnessed, offering hope for progress. However, in a stark reversal of expectations, the Taliban once again seized power in August 2021, pledging a governance with supposedly more moderate tones that purportedly embraced the rights of women and minorities. Despite these assurances, the abrupt prohibition on girls attending secondary schools and the revocation of critical educational policies, notably the GEP, through a series of stringent orders plunged the nation into disbelief and dismay. Many Afghan citizens found themselves grappling with the sudden reality as the Taliban imposed this unwarranted ban, which not only goes against fundamental worldly principles but also contradicts the tenets of Islam itself. Consequently, the decree not only upends the core beliefs of a religion deeply intertwined with the Afghan identity but also directly challenges the Taliban's endeavours to secure acknowledgment and acceptance at the global stage. One of the key figures in advocating for girls' education in Afghanistan is Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani education activist who survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban in 2012. Malala's courageous efforts to promote girls' education globally have brought international attention to the issue and inspired many to take action. She has become a symbol of resilience and determination, fighting for the rights of girls to receive quality education, despite facing tremendous adversity. In Afghanistan, there are also local activists and organizations working tirelessly to ensure that girls have access to education. The Afghan Institute of Learning, founded by Dr. Sakena Yacoobi, has been instrumental in providing educational opportunities for women and girls in Afghanistan. Dr. Yacoobi's work has been recognized globally, and she has been a vocal advocate for girls' education in the country. Despite these efforts, the situation for girls' education in Afghanistan remains challenging. According to UNICEF, only 37% of girls in Afghanistan are enrolled in primary school, and the dropout rate is significantly higher for girls than boys. Many girls face discrimination, violence, and threats from extremist groups for attending school, making it difficult for them to access education. There are various perspectives on why girls are denied the right to education in Afghanistan, including traditional gender roles, cultural beliefs, poverty, lack of infrastructure, and security concerns. In some communities, girls are expected to prioritize household chores and caregiving over schooling, perpetuating a cycle of inequality and limiting their opportunities for personal and professional development. One of the characteristics of the Islamic religion is its extraordinary emphasis on the value of the search for knowledge as a cornerstone of faith. This devotion to knowledge is not only a tenet of the faith, but an integral part of its teachings, as emphasized countless times in the Holy Qur'an, where the importance of learning and understanding is emphasized in about five hundred verses. This profound emphasis goes beyond mere encouragement; it is a guiding principle that underlines the fundamental beliefs of Islam. What makes Islam's dedication to education even more remarkable is its inclusive nature. In Islamic tradition, the pursuit of knowledge is not limited to a particular gender; it is a universal right and responsibility that is equally bestowed upon both men and women. This all-encompassing approach underscores the belief that knowledge is a pathway to enlightenment and a means to strengthen one's faith and relationship with the divine. Islam's commitment to education transcends the individual; it is also deeply embedded in the wider social fabric, fostering an environment where learning is valued and actively promoted. This emphasis on education as a core part of Islamic practice testifies to the religion's continuing legacy of intellectual curiosity and scholarly pursuits. By encouraging the pursuit of knowledge among its followers, Islam not only enriches the minds of individuals but also develops a culture of learning that benefits society as a whole and promotes progress, understanding and unity in the community. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself explicitly declared the obligatory nature of seeking knowledge for all Muslims. As narrated in Sahih Bukhari, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon all Muslims. (Sahih Bukhari) “Acquiring knowledge is the duty of every Muslim man and woman.” The Holy Prophet has been instructed in the Qur'an to make this supplication: “O my Lord! Increase my knowledge” (Surah Taha: 1). The hadith clarified that the quest for knowledge is a responsibility shared by every Muslim man and woman alike. This directive aligns with the teachings of the Qur'an, where believers are urged to implore for divine guidance in enhancing their knowledge, as exemplified in the supplication: “O my Lord! Increase my knowledge” (Surah Taha: 1). Therefore, the Islamic faith champions education as a fundamental duty, embodying a holistic approach to learning that transcends gender boundaries and underscores the continuous pursuit of wisdom and enlightenment as a cornerstone of the faith. In conclusion, the denial of education to Muslim girls in Afghanistan goes against the teachings of Islam and the fundamental principles of equality and justice. It is essential to address the root causes of this issue, including poverty, cultural norms, and security concerns, to ensure that all girls have the opportunity to receive a quality education. By investing in girls' education, Afghanistan can unlock their full potential, promote gender equality, and build a more prosperous and peaceful society for all its citizens. It is imperative that governments, civil society organizations, and the international community work together to overcome the barriers to girls' education in Afghanistan and create a brighter future for the next generation. ------- Kaniz Fatma is a classic Islamic scholar and a regular columnist for New Age Islam. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/education-muslim-girls-afghanistan-islamic/d/132570 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism