The Importance of Knowing Your Religion as a Muslim Girl/ Woman
In a world where misinformation spreads rapidly and cultural traditions are
often mistaken for religious obligations, Islamic knowledge is a powerful
tool—especially for Muslim women.
Islam is a religion
that elevated the status of women over 1,400 years ago, granting them rights
and dignity. Before Islam women were treated very badly and not given rights.. Knowing
your religion is not just a right; it is an obligation and a means to protect
your identity, honour, and relationship with Allah.
Women in Islam: Honoured by Allah
The West like to portray Muslim women as oppressed however, Islam granted women rights centuries before many modern societies recognised them. Muslim women were given the right to own property, choose their spouse, seek divorce, receive inheritance, and participate in social and political life during the time of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Women are Honoured in the Qur’an
Allah mentions women in the Qur’an with dignity and respect, and several
chapters are named in honour of them, such as Surah An-Nisa (The
Women) and Surah Maryam, named after Maryam (Mary), the mother of
‘Isa (Jesus) عليه السلام.
Allah says:
"Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing
women... Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward."
Surah Al-Ahzab (33:35)
This ayah lists both men and women in equal measure when describing piety,
devotion, and the promise of reward—showing that women are spiritually equal to
men in the sight of Allah.
Seeking Knowledge is an Obligation on Every Muslim
One of the most critical commands in Islam is the pursuit of knowledge. This
applies equally to men and women.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim."
(Sunan Ibn Majah, 224)
This Hadith does not distinguish between male or female. It emphasizes that
every Muslim has a duty to seek knowledge of the religion. Knowledge is what
gives a woman the power to practice her faith correctly, understand her rights,
and challenge cultural practices that contradict Islam.
The First Revelation Was About Knowledge
The first words revealed to our beloved Prophet ﷺ
were:
"Read in the name of your Lord who created."
Surah Al-‘Alaq (96:1)
This powerful beginning shows that Islam is built on knowledge, understanding,
and learning. A woman who knows her faith knows her Lord—and it can be a means
of protection from manipulation or misguidance.
Islam vs. Culture: Why Knowledge Matters
In many societies, cultural practices are mistakenly passed off as religious
obligations. These may include denying women education, forcing marriages, or
silencing their voices. These practices are not from Islam.
A knowledgeable Muslim woman can differentiate between the religion and culture.
She can respond with confidence and clarity when faced with oppression
disguised as piety.
The Prophet ﷺ himself
warned about this:
"Whoever introduces into this matter of ours (i.e., Islam) something which
is not from it, it is to be rejected."
(Sahih al-Bukhari & Muslim)
Knowledge equips a woman to protect herself and others from falsehood.
It
allows her to raise her children with correct Islamic values and to uphold
justice within her home and community.
Examples from the Life of the Prophet ﷺ
The Prophet ﷺ empowered
women to seek knowledge and even become scholars.
Aisha bint Abu Bakr (May
Allah be pleased with her) the Prophet’s wife was a leading and great
scholar. She narrated over 2,000 Hadith. Men and women alike would come to her
for religious rulings and understanding. Her intellect, memory, and piety were
recognised by the companions of the Prophet.
Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (May Allah be pleased with her) the Prophet’s wife was the first to embrace Islam, she supported and strengthened the Prophet during the hardest years. She was also a successful businesswoman.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said:
"The best of you are those who are best to their women."
(Tirmidhi)
This Hadith is a powerful reminder that honouring women is a
sign of the best character.
Rights of Women in Islam
Some of the key rights Islam gave to women include:
* The right to education
*The right to inheritance
For men there is a share in what their parents and close
relatives leave, and for women there is a share in what their parents and close
relatives leave—whether it is little or much. ˹These
are˺ obligatory shares.
(Qur’an 4:7)
*The right to choose or refuse marriage
*The right to own and manage property independently
*The right to work and earn a livelihood
*The right to be treated with kindness and respect
Allah says:
"And live with them in kindness."
Surah An-Nisa (4:19)
This instruction to men about their wives is not a suggestion—it is a command from Allah.
Conclusion: Knowledge is Your connection with Allah, protection and Your power
You are not weak. You are not voiceless. Allah honoured you with Islam. You owe it to yourself—and to your Creator—to learn what He has prescribed for you.
Abu Hurairah reported the Prophet (ﷺ) as saying:
"Whoever follows a path in pursuit of knowledge, Allah will make easy for
him a path to Paradise."
(Sunan Abi Dawud 3643)
May Allah grant all Muslim women the knowledge of His Deen, the strength to
practice it, and the wisdom to pass it on to future generations.
Ameen.
