Seek Knowledge...

Muslim women seeking Islamic knowledge has become a rarity in the society and times that we are living in today. To the extent that we see some people saying that it suffices if a sister simply stays in her home as a mother and a wife and does nothing for Islam. However, history reveals to us that women played an integral role in the development of the Islamic state. In fact, Aishah (RA) was one of the greatest scholars that this ummah had ever seen. We see the likes of Nusaybah bint Kab and Umm Sulaym who took part in the battles of the muslims in the presence of the Prophet (pbuh). 

A great portion of the problem lies in the distorted perception that sisters have about seeking knowledge.  Striving to increase one's Islamic understanding is a must upon each individual whether male or female. As it was narrated by Abu Hurairah (RA) who said, "I heard the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) say, " The world is cursed, that which is in it is cursed, except dhikr and what follows it, or a learned person, or a student" (Related by Ibn Majah, hadith hasan). This task should not only be left on the shoulders of the men, but rather the sisters need to free themselves from these materialistic shackles that they have put themselves in and understand the weight of the issue. Muslim women are the ones that are going to be the ones to have the greatest influence on  the next generation of this ummah. Do we not desire our children to be the ones to carry the banner of Laa ilaaha illa Allah? So, how do we crave for the pleasures of tomorrow when the present is in destruction? 

Allah says: "For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women, for devout men and women,  for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men and women who fast (and deny themselves), for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah's praise - for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward." (Ahzab:35),  Allah has is no way lowered or demeaned the position of women. Sisters need to realize that Allah has not abandoned their reward and has made them in equal to men in this regard, thus we should not let our own laziness get in the way of cherishing this religion. The first step to doing that is by seeking knowledge.


However, the sisters should not only be put under the magnifying glass when considering this issue. Culture (both of the east and west) has infested the religion of Islam to the point that it has blurred the previously clear cut role of Muslim women. Today, one can easily find Muslims downgrading the role of muslim women in the greater Islamic community. Yet these same people fall into inescapable awe when a Muslim sister is announced a doctor of medicine although she has forsaken most of her religious obligations. One must understand that Islam does not prevent women from receiving high levels of secular credentials, but it reminds women not to forget that they are the pillars of this ummah. Allah says in the glorious Quraan: "Thus We made of you an Ummat justly balanced...." (Baqarah, 143) 

Especially for sisters living in the west, it is even more difficult. Walking down any street or through a busy mall it's clear that society always targets women. Adds are plastered all over walls, billboards with half naked women, which confuse one as to what is actually being sold. About five or six hand bag stores, maybe half a dozen shoe stores, and hundreds of clothing stores all targeting women. It becomes apparent only to one with a sound mind that all this is but a jest and play. The modern world will do whatever it can to turn women away from what truly matters. Muslim women do not be among the foolish and cherish your religion. 

So, a sense of frustration builds up in the sisters who find themselves wanting to study their precious religion and at the same time are put under immense pressure from parents who want their daughters to be the ideal western woman. In the world that exists today, it becomes hard for sisters to take on the role of a student of knowledge and a caller to Islam because of the high hopes that the parents have put in them and because of the constrictions of culture.  Thus, the only solution that will remedy this ailment is a return back to the authentic teachings of Islam. Culture must be expelled if it conflicts with Islam. As one sister summed it up ever so bluntly, "If your culture goes against Islam, then your culture's wack". The sisters being tested in their deen must develop the spirit of patience, for surely Allah loves those who are patient. And know, that no society will thrive unless the women are well based. So, in this period of Islamic revival, sisters must step up to the plate, study their deen and give whatever they can offer.