Importance Of Education Amongst Muslim Girls

Every individual has the right to attain education. But in conservative and backward societies education of girls is not considered to be important. The condition is worse in case of Muslim girls. They not only have to face gender biases but also religious constraints and societal pressure. Widespread poverty in the community, lack of awareness, early marriages and conservative thoughts are some of the major causes that have resulted in the dismal condition of Muslim girls.

A girl is born to serve. She is expected to excel in household chores because that is her destiny. A homemaker, a wife and a mother are the only prominent roles that she is expected to play selflessly. But amidst all these expectations the desires of a girl somewhere gets buried. Education is not only the gateway that allows a girl child to discover herself and make a desirable place in the society but also makes her strong in all aspects. She not only learns to read and write but also comes in terms of real life. Through right education she learns the rights and wrongs and explores the hidden strenght and confidence that lies within her. Good educational background helps her to enjoy the fruits of independence and make a difference to her life and to the society as a whole.

When education holds such immense importance in life, then why is a girl stopped from pursuing it? Well, as mentioned earlier the reasons may vary from family to family. Many Muslims oppose educating their girl child by stating some religious points. But no religion ever prohibits parents from allowing their child to learn, and so is Islam. How can learning be wrong in any religion? There might be some preferred methods of imparting and gaining knowledge but that should not be considered as constraint to attain education. The religion speaks about keeping pace with the developments. Does it not imply that even girls should move forward in life in the right direction?

Statistics reveal that the enrolment percentage of Muslim girls in schools is negligible. Though over period of time sincere efforts of some leaders with modern outlook have somewhat contributed in improving the situation, the achievement is insignificant and lot is required to done towards this end. When I speak of some quality contribution towards promotion of Muslim girls, I cannot afford to miss out Aligarh Muslim University. Set up decades back by the Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, today the central university is playing a vital role in shaping the future of scores of Muslims girls coming from different strata of life. Girls from small villages and little-known towns come to this place for secondary as well as higher education. Right guidance and focus have helped many of them to pursue right careers and attain the unattainable. This has become a platform that help girls to fulfill their dreams and achieve what their mothers could not.

I really feel that there is need for many such educational centers that could help girls not only to realize their dreams but also to shape the future of others. The state too must take a pro-active role in this regard so as to promote the empowerment of Muslim women and effectively remove barriers that lead to the marginalization of the women community. An educated wife and an educated mother can definitely be a great support to her family and make positive difference to the male-dominated society.