The Role of Muslim Women in Modern Society: Islam’s Perspective on Education and Careers
Islam’s Perspective on Education and Careers
Islam has always encouraged men and women to seek knowledge, help society, and reach perfection in their fields. Unlike common belief, Muslim women are not forbidden from getting an education or working; in fact, Islamic history is full of examples of women who excelled as leaders, doctors, intellectuals, and businesspeople.
This page will go over:
Islamic Viewpoint on Women’s Employment and Education
Historical Cases of Muslim Women in Occupational Fields
Contemporary Muslim Women Shattering Stereotypes
What Ulama Scholars Say About Women Employed in Various Fields?
Table of Contents
1. Islam’s Stance on Women’s Education and Employment
A-Quran and Hadith Encourage Seeking Knowledge
Allah says in the Quran:
“Read in the name of your Lord who created—Created man from a clinging substance. Read, and your Lord is the most Generous—Who taught by the pen—Taught man that which he knew not.” (Quran 96:1-5)
This command applies to both men and women. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also said:
“Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim.” (Ibn Majah)
There is no distinction between genders when it comes to the pursuit of education.
B- Permissibility of Women Working in Islam
Islam allows women to work, provided:
- The job does not conflict with Islamic ethics (e.g., no free mixing, no unlawful transactions).
- Their primary responsibilities (if married or mothers) are not neglected.
- The work environment is safe and respectful.
Many classical and modern scholars, including Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen and Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, have affirmed that women can work as doctors, teachers, engineers, and even in leadership roles if Islamic guidelines are followed.
2. Historical Examples of Muslim Women in Professions
A-Rufayda Al-Aslamiya – The First Female Muslim Nurse
In medical treatment, Rufaida Al-Aslamia (RA) played a leading role during the lifetime of the Prophet (PBUH). By setting up a mobile medical tent to help wounded soldiers in battle, she was one of the first female physicians in Islamic history.
B. Sutayta Al-Mahamili – A Renowned Mathematician and Scholar
She was a Muslim woman of the tenth century, renowned for her knowledge of Hadiths, mathematics, and legal theory. Respected academically in Baghdad, she demonstrated that women excelled in STEM disciplines long before current times.
C. Shifa bint Abdullah – A Female Judge and Administrator
Caliph Umar (RA) assigned her to be a market inspector (Muhtasib), in charge of supervising business activity in Medina—a position needing a thorough understanding of Islamic law and economy.
3. Modern Muslim Women Breaking Stereotypes
Today, Muslim women are thriving in diverse fields, just like non-Muslim women, while maintaining their faith. Some notable examples:
A-Medicine & Science
- Dr. Hayat Sindi (Saudi Scientist) – A biotechnologist and one of the first female members of Saudi Arabia’s Consultative Assembly.
- Though she has cerebral palsy, Ghanaian software engineer Dr. Farida Bedwei is a top authority on mobile banking technology.
B- Aviation & Engineering
- Captain Aysha Alhameli, UAE’s first female Emirati pilot, is proving that Muslim women can succeed in sectors dominated by men.
- Turkish scientist Elif Bilgin won prizes for developing bioplastic from banana peels at just 16.
C- Politics & Leadership
- Former Pakistani PM Benazir Bhutto is the first woman to run a nation with a majority of Muslims.
- U.S. Congresswomen Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib are tearing down Western political boundaries.
4. What Islamic Scholars Say About Women Working
Many modern academics advocate women pursuing several professions as long Islamic rules are followed:
A-Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi
“Islam does not prevent women from working, but it sets conditions to protect their dignity. She can be a doctor, teacher, engineer, or even a judge in some cases.”
B- Al-Azhar university scholars
“There is no Quranic verse or Hadith that bans women from working. Khadijah (RA) was a businesswoman, and Aisha (RA) was a scholar—both had public roles.”
Al-Azhar scholars have issued rulings stating that women can work in medicine, education, journalism, and technology, as long as:
- The job serves a societal need.
- Proper Hijab and modesty are maintained.
- Family obligations are not neglected.
5. Balancing Faith and Professional Life
Muslim women today face the challenge of balancing career ambitions with Islamic values. Here’s how they can maintain this balance:
A-Choosing a Halal Career Path
- Opt for fields that benefit society (e.g., medicine, education, social work).
- Avoid jobs involving interest (riba), gambling, or unethical practices.
B- Maintaining Modesty in the Workplace
- Wear a proper Hijab (if applicable).
- Avoid unnecessary free-mixing (khalwa).
- Set professional boundaries while remaining respectful.
C- Prioritizing Family Without Sacrificing Ambitions
- Islam allows flexibility—women can work part-time or remotely if needed.
- Husbands and families should support a woman’s career if it
Conclusion: Islam Empowers Women to Excel
Women are permitted to work in medicine, aviation, engineering, and leadership positions under Islamic law. Instead, it establishes the groundwork for people to achieve through respect and faith. From historical luminaries like Rufaida al-Aslamia to modern pioneers like Dr. Hayat Sindi, Muslim women have demonstrated that faith and professional success are closely intertwined.
What is the most important thing? Muslim women, like non-Muslim women, have the right to pursue their dreams while adhering to Islamic principles.
Does Islam let women be engineers, pilots, or doctors?
Indeed, Islam allows women to pursue any legal ( Halal) career—including medical, aviation, engineering, and leadership—provided the employment follows Islamic standards (e.g., no free mixing, modest clothes, and no participation in haram activities like interest-based finance). Scholars like Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi and Dr. Zakir Naik confirm this, citing successful businesswoman Khadijah (RA) and first Muslim nurse Rufayda Al-Aslamiya (RA).
Under what circumstances might Muslim women be employed outside of their homes?
Observing Hijab and avoiding pointless engagement with non-mahram men helps one to be modest.
If married or a mother, family obligations should not be compromised; there is no neglect of main responsibilities.
Halal income: The employment cannot include haram components—that is, alcohol, gambling, or immoral behavior.
Scholars both old and new, including Al-Azhar University, support these requirements.
Exist any historical records of Muslim women serving in professional capacity?
Surely! Islamic history notes some trailblazing women including:
First Muslim nurse and field medic Rufayda Al-Aslamiya (RA)
Tenth-century mathematician and scholar Sutayta Al-Mahamili
Caliph Umar(RA) designated Shifa bint Abdullah as a judge and market inspector.
These illustrations show how actively Muslim women have always been involved in government, medicine, and education.
How may contemporary Muslim women strike a balance between Islamic principles and employment?
Many get balance by:
Selecting flexible jobs could be remote work, part-time employment, or surroundings appropriate for women (such as all-women hospitals or colleges).
Family comes first. Including relatives and partners in child care helps to keep balance.
Maintaining a grounded in faith basis from regular prayer, Quranic study, and community support.
Modern role models in this harmony are scientist Dr. Hayat Sindi and pilot Captain Aysha Alhameli.