The five years of deprivation of girls from school in Afghanistan is not only a social or political issue, but also a very important and thought-provoking issue from the perspective of Islam. Islam is a religion that has emphasized knowledge, education, and awareness since the first days of its emergence, and has considered it obligatory for all human beings—without distinction between men and women.

The first verse revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, began with the command:
“Read in the name of your Lord who created” (Surah Al-Alaq, verse 1)

This verse shows that the foundation of the religion of Islam is based on knowledge and awareness.

Elsewhere, the Holy Quran states the status of knowledge as follows:
“Are those who know equal to those who do not know?” (Surah Az-Zumar, verse 9)
Are those who know equal to those who do not know? This divine question expresses the value and high status of knowledge for all human beings.

Also, in a famous hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim.”

In many reliable Islamic sources, scholars have explained that the term “Muslim” includes both men and women.

On the other hand, in the history of Islam, there have been great women who have pioneered knowledge and scholarship. Among them was Hazrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), who was one of the greatest narrators of hadith and one of the prominent scholars of her time. These examples show that education and knowledge for women is not only permitted but also encouraged by Islam.

Considering these clear religious principles, depriving girls of education for so many years is in clear contradiction with the spirit of Islamic teachings. How can a religion that begins with “Iqra” accept ignoring the education of half of the society?

The consequences of this deprivation are also worrying from the perspective of Islam. Islam has always emphasized justice, awareness and the development of society. A society whose women are deprived of education cannot achieve true justice and progress. Because illiterate mothers raise generations with fewer opportunities, and this cycle of inequality continues.

In these five years, many girls have been deprived of their divine and human rights; a right that has been emphasized not only in international documents, but also in the Quran and Sunnah. The hope is that by returning to authentic Islamic teachings, the path to education for all girls will be opened and an informed, just, and progressive society will be formed.

Assistant