Female Companions Learned Directly from the Prophet
📖Sahih Muslim 872
Umm Hisham bint Harithah reported: I took the chapter, “Qaf, by the Glorious Quran,” (50:1) from the mouth of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, on Friday. The Prophet would recite it on the pulpit every Friday.
In another narration, she said: The Prophet would pray with it in the dawn prayer.
This hadith shows that women in the time of the Prophet ﷺ actively learned the Qur’an directly from him. Umm Hisham, a female companion, took lessons from the Prophet ﷺ, demonstrating that seeking Islamic knowledge was not restricted by gender. The Prophet ﷺ encouraged learning and recitation of the Qur’an for both men and women.
What We Learn Today:
- Women’s Right to Learn: Women are allowed and encouraged to study the Qur’an and Islamic knowledge. Gender is not a barrier if the teacher follows Islamic guidelines.
- Islamic-Based Education: Learning should take place in a system rooted in authentic Islamic teachings, whether it’s tajweed, fiqh, or other branches of knowledge.
- Modesty and Proper Conduct: Interaction between male teachers and female students should follow rules of hijab, modesty, and appropriate behavior to maintain respect and avoid unnecessary contact.
- Empowerment Through Knowledge: Just as Umm Hisham gained knowledge directly from the Prophet ﷺ, today girls can benefit from Islamic education in schools, madrasas, and online platforms while observing Islamic ethics.
Quranic Context:
📖Quran 96:1-2
Recite in the name of your Lord who created—Created man from a clinging substance.
📖Quran 58:11
Allah will raise those among you who have believed and those who were given knowledge in degrees. And Allah is Acquainted with what you do.
This verse shows that Allah elevates the status of those who seek knowledge. Since women are believers, they too are included in this promise. Therefore, it is permissible for women and girls to learn from anyone who possesses knowledge, including men, as long as the interaction follows proper Islamic rules such as modesty, hijab, and appropriate behavior. Seeking knowledge is a virtuous act for all believers, and Allah rewards it regardless of gender.
- Girls and women can learn Islam and Qur’an from male teachers.
- Learning must respect Islamic guidelines: proper hijab, modest conduct, and a safe learning environment.
- Knowledge is a means of spiritual elevation for all, men and women alike.