Education and employment for girls

 Islam is that religion of life, which prefers knowledge.  It does not tolerate ignorance even for a moment.  The first Wahi (divine revelation) was about knowledge. 

 

As given in Surah Alaq:

 

(O Beloved!) Read (commencing) with the Name of Allah, Who has created (everything).  Surah Alaq (96:1)

 

Human life is not complete with only men.  Women are also a basic pillar of the society.  All the Shariah rules of the household, societal relations and the like are associated with women only.  If only men are given education and women are ignored, then not only will be an oppression on women, but a huge part of society will be forced to remain ignorant and will lose out on the benefits of education.

 

For this reason Islam has declared the education of women as also compulsory.  The daughters of the community can adorn themselves with both Islamic and worldly education and reform the exterior and the interior of the society.  Teaching women, educating them and making them aware, adorning them with the pearls of good character, making them aware of their role in raising children and many other tasks, only women can handle these tasks.  Within the framework of the Shariah and following the rules and guidelines of Hijab (veil), they can take social service as well.  There is a Hadith in Sahih Bukhari:

 

It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Rabe'ea (May Allah Ta'ala be well pleased with her), she says that we, along with the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) would distribute water, wash and dress the wounds of the injured and would take the martyrs to Madina.  (Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 1, Pg. No. 403/404)

 

In the blessed era of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), the lady Sahaba would take care of the injured, would distribute water during the wars and would take up many other responsibilities.  To summarize, the daughters of the community should acquire education in the Hijab, which includes worldly education as well and should serve the society in every possible way.  They should especially concentrate on Medical field and become specialists in that field as well. 

 

Marriage is not a barrier to education.  Even after marriage, education can be continued.  However, it is anyhow better to accept what the parents say.  There is a Hadith in Kanz Ul Ummal:

 

The pleasure of the parents is the pleasure of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) and in their displeasure is the displeasure of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala). (Kanz Ul Ummal, Hadith No: 45551)

 

Jobs for women:

 

Islam lays a lot of stress on Hijab for women.  It is Haraam (forbidden) to remain without Hijab or to go before Non-Mahram people without Hijab.  The best and safest place for women is their house, which safeguards them and their modesty.  The Holy Quran orders women to stay in their houses.  Surah Ahzaab-32.

 

If there is no one to take up the responsibility for women or for some educational, Islamic or economic reason, then with complete Hijab and with absolute avoidance of corruption of any kind, it is permissible for them to go ahead and work.  At the place of work, they should practice Hijab, as prescribed by the Shariah, with the whole staff and should avoid unnecessary talk as well.