Women, Higher Education and Society: A Gender Perspective

Although liberal Islamic teachings stipulate that education is a mandatory right for all Muslims regardless of gender, and encourages the pursuit of education and wisdom from the cradle to the grave, and despite what is written in the hadith1 concerning the Prophet s positive attitude towards education for both genders, some scholars and rulers in the past have not given importance to education for women. Historically, education for women has been restricted to the realm of religious matters. As a “means to an end” and “in fear of causing unrest,” some have endeavored to persuade Muslim communities to “deny” women the right to literacy and to discourage them from furthering their education