Educating Daughters in Islam: Upholding Values, Preserving Modesty

Educating Daughters in Islam: Upholding Values, Preserving Modesty

I saw a Lifebuoy company’s video advertisement in which a woman is sitting distressed, as people are asking her, “Why do you want to educate your daughter? After all, this education won’t benefit you, and you are making sacrifices to educate her.” The mother then responds, “I will make sacrifices, and only then will my daughter progress and study.” (Meaning, the mother is fighting against society to educate her daughter, even though this isn’t the reality.)

The advertisement gives the impression that in Pakistani society, educating girls is seen as a major fault, and some people even think that religious scholars (Ulema) discourage it. However, I want to clarify the reality that Islam has given complete permission for the education of women, girls, and daughters — the so-called delicate gender. A clear proof of this is the many schools and institutions for girls that are spread across Pakistan under the Wafaq-ul-Madaris system.

The misunderstanding, however, is the idea of educating girls in the exact same manner as boys, without recognizing any difference. This is wrong, completely wrong, and against the natural principles as well. We have no issue with girls’ education, but we do take issue with the educational system, curriculum, and methods. If, in the name of education, girls are taught dancing, music, or are encouraged to abandon modesty, then this is a clear mistake. Parents often justify this by saying, “What else can we do? We have to educate our daughters!”

My friends, remember that education holds great importance in Islam. But this importance is not greater than Islam itself. It cannot be that if the current educational system threatens your daughter’s dignity, honor, or religion, you still feel compelled to send her to study. Absolutely not! If you do so, you will have to face the consequences, which are evident in many colleges and universities today.

The purpose of this message is to emphasize that we are not against girls’ education. However, we must strictly ensure that indecency is not promoted in the name of education. Women should not be granted such freedom under the guise of education that they start making decisions that are the rightful domain of their guardians. Education should not give them freedom to interact freely with boys, or to live away from home without any restrictions.

If all these concerns are addressed, then education will surely be a blessing for us. I know many religious sisters, mothers, and daughters who have earned their doctorate degrees while wearing the burqa. They have completed their master’s degrees while adhering to Islamic principles. They have achieved higher education while staying within the boundaries of modesty and Islamic values. I salute all such girls and consider them as role models for those who are influenced by the indecencies of the modern educational system.