The Qur’an and Hadiths of the Prophet both obligate Muslim men and women to acquire knowledge and education. It is a duty for every Muslim. For example, concerning knowledge and education the Qur’an Sura 35 verse 28 states: ‘Those truly fear Allah, among His servants, who have knowledge.’ Prophet’s Hadiths repeatedly emphasizes the acquirement of education and knowledge for every Muslim male and female. For example, one Hadith states that, ‘Seeking knowledge is a duty of every Muslim, man or woman.’ (Ayisha Lemu 1978:25). Another Hadith states, ‘Seek knowledge from the cradle to grave.’(1978:25).
In early of Islamic history there were many women scholars who had very significant roles in the Islamic World. For example, Ayisha, the Prophet’s wife was one of the most famous Muslim scholars. Not only was she very intelligent, she had an exceptional memory. That is why she was considered one of the most important sources of Hadith. It has been stated in some Islamic reports that the Prophet told the Muslims to go to Ayisha for guidance and learning of religious duties. The Prophet also told the Muslims to trust Ayisha’s teaching and guidance (Lemu 1978: 251). In the Islamic World, at the beginning of Islam, there were no restrictions or prohibitions toward women to seek knowledge and education. There were many women scholars in the fields of religion, literature, education, and medicine. For example, a woman named Nafisa who was related to Ali, the fourth Khalif, had a vast knowledge of and was an expert on the Hadiths of the Prophet. Many famous scholars of the time, such as Imam Shafiai would participate in Nafisa’s scholarly discourse and learn from her.
In early of Islamic history there were many women scholars who had very significant roles in the Islamic World. For example, Ayisha, the Prophet’s wife was one of the most famous Muslim scholars. Not only was she very intelligent, she had an exceptional memory. That is why she was considered one of the most important sources of Hadith. It has been stated in some Islamic reports that the Prophet told the Muslims to go to Ayisha for guidance and learning of religious duties. The Prophet also told the Muslims to trust Ayisha’s teaching and guidance (Lemu 1978: 251). In the Islamic World, at the beginning of Islam, there were no restrictions or prohibitions toward women to seek knowledge and education. There were many women scholars in the fields of religion, literature, education, and medicine. For example, a woman named Nafisa who was related to Ali, the fourth Khalif, had a vast knowledge of and was an expert on the Hadiths of the Prophet. Many famous scholars of the time, such as Imam Shafiai would participate in Nafisa’s scholarly discourse and learn from her.