Do Not Let Shyness Hinder Learning

📖Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 332
Safiyyah bint Shaybah reported: Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, said, “How excellent are the women of the Ansar! They do not allow shyness to prevent them from understanding the religion.”

In another narration, Aisha said, “They do not allow shyness to prevent them from asking questions about the religion and seeking to understand it.”

Description
This hadith emphasizes that Islam encourages women to seek knowledge and ask questions about their faith without feeling embarrassed or shy. The women of the Ansar serve as a model, showing that sincere inquiry is valued and essential for understanding Islam. Shyness should never prevent anyone—man or woman—from learning about their religion, following its teachings correctly, and applying them in daily life.

Meaning

• Women have full permission to ask religious questions and seek guidance.
• Shyness is not a barrier in Islam when it comes to learning and understanding the faith.
• Knowledge of religion is a duty for every Muslim, regardless of gender.

Quranic Context

📖Quran 66:6
O you who believe, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, over which are [appointed] angels, harsh and severe; they do not disobey Allah in what He commands them but do what they are commanded.

• Believers are responsible for seeking guidance to protect themselves and their families. Women, as part of the believers, are included in this responsibility, which requires asking questions to understand religious duties.

📖Quran 4:59
O you who believe, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result.

• This verse encourages asking and referring matters to Allah and His Messenger when there is doubt or disagreement. Seeking knowledge and clarification is part of fulfilling this command, applicable to women as well.

The hadith praising the women of Ansar is supported by the Quran’s general guidance: women, as believers, are equally encouraged to ask questions and seek knowledge in religion without shyness, to fulfill their religious responsibilities.