Shamima Muslim, the founder and convenor of the Alliance For Women in Media Africa (AWMA), has drawn attention to a renaissance within the Muslim community, particularly among Muslim women, in terms of education.
In an interview with Helen Appiah-Ampofo on 3FM Sunrise, Shamima Muslim highlighted that in the past, educational and professional opportunities for Muslim women were minimal. However, she noted that the landscape has significantly changed, with a growing recognition of the importance of education, especially for girls.
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Muslim pointed out that a critical examination of the philosophy of the Islamic religion reveals numerous Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) that explicitly encourage both Muslim men and women to seek education.
“There are so many Hadith that speak about education; they stress the importance of seeking knowledge even if one has to travel as far as China. Education is compulsory for both Muslim men and women,” she emphasized.
Muslim explained that historically, early schools were established by missionaries, which led many Muslim families to be reluctant in sending their children, particularly girls, to these schools out of concerns of religious influence or potential Christianization of their names. However, she emphasized that this mindset has evolved over time.
“I just want to encourage us to continue because an educated mother is of more benefit to the family,” Shamima Muslim urged.
The astute media personality called for a sustained focus on education within the Muslim community, highlighting the transformative impact of educated mothers on families and society as a whole.
The remarks by Shamima Muslim shed light on the progress and changing perceptions regarding education among Muslim women, signaling an empowering shift within the Muslim community.
