FRIDAY SERMON: The Educational and Moral System of Women

Mohammad younis Bhat (Zahid)

The educational and moral system of women is one of the most sensitive and decisive subjects in any society, because a woman is not merely an individual—she is the foundation of the entire social structure. If the foundation is strong and righteous, the whole building remains stable; if the foundation is weak, even the strongest structure collapses. Islam recognizes women as builders of generations and therefore provides them with a complete system of education, dignity, protection, and moral training through the Qur’an and Sunnah.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“The world is provision, and the best provision of it is a righteous woman.”
(Sahih Muslim)

Education of Women: Balance Between Religion and Worldly Knowledge

Islam makes education obligatory for both men and women, but it emphasizes education that is rooted in faith, morality, and responsibility.

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim.”
(Ibn Majah)

It is rightly said:
If a man is educated, one individual is educated; but if a woman is educated, an entire family is educated.

A religious and educated woman ensures moral upbringing, emotional stability, and spiritual awareness within the family.

Daughter “A Divine Blessing”

Islam abolished the ignorant belief that daughters are a burden. Instead, it declared them a source of mercy.

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever raises two daughters until they reach maturity will be with me on the Day of Judgment.”
(Sahih Muslim)

The upbringing of a daughter must include:

• Modesty (ḥayāʾ)
• Awareness of non-maḥram relationships
• Proper Islamic dress
• Discipline in speech and behavior

Early training is essential, as childhood forms the foundation of character.

Sister — The Honor of the Family

A sister represents the dignity and honor of her family. Islam protects her from unnecessary interaction with non-maḥram men to preserve her self-respect and family values.

Allah says:
“Indeed, the most honorable of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.”
(Surah Al-Ḥujurāt 49:13)

Purdah (Modesty): Clear Qur’anic Guidance

Allah commands:

“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze, guard their chastity, and not display their adornment…”
(Surah An-Nūr 24:31)

And He says:

“O Prophet! Tell your wives, your daughters, and the believing women to draw their cloaks over themselves…”
(Surah Al-Aḥzāb 33:59)

These verses clearly show that modesty is meant for protection, dignity, and social harmony—not restriction or oppression.

Dupatta, Hijab, and Purdah — Difference and Purpose

Dupatta

The dupatta is a cultural garment commonly used in South Asia. Its true purpose is to cover the head and chest modestly. A dupatta holds value only when it fulfills modesty, not when it is worn as decoration around the neck or shoulders.

Hijab

Hijab is an Islamic concept that includes:

• Covering the body properly
• Concealing adornment
• Maintaining dignity in behavior and appearance

Allah says:
“And let them draw their head coverings over their chests.”
(Surah An-Nūr 24:31)

Purdah

Purdah is a complete way of life, not limited to clothing alone. It includes:

• Dress
• Speech
• Gaze
• Interaction
• Conduct at home and in society

Purdah applies both outside the home and inside the home when non-maḥram men are present.

Mahram and Non-Mahram (Clarification)

Mahram

Those with whom marriage is permanently forbidden:

• Father, grandfather
• Brother
• Son
• Nephew

Husband
(Surah An-Nisāʾ 4:23)

Non-Mahram

Those with whom marriage is permissible:

• Uncle (maternal/paternal)
• Cousins
• Brother-in-law (devar, jeth)
• Teachers, colleagues, friends

Proper hijab and boundaries are obligatory with non-maḥram men.

Wife “Source of Peace”

Allah says:
“That you may find tranquility in them.”
(Surah Ar-Rūm 30:21)

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The best of you are the best to their wives.”
(Tirmidhi)

A successful wife embodies:

• Patience
• Loyalty
• Wisdom
• Faith

The wives of the Sahabah (RA) remain timeless role models.

Mother “Architect of Generations”

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Paradise lies beneath the feet of mothers.”
(Nasa’i)

A mother:

• Begins training from breastfeeding
• Shapes morals and faith
• Guides children through adolescence

The righteous mothers of the Salaf-us-Salihin shaped history through their upbringing.

Working Woman or Homemaker?

Islam allows women to work with conditions:

• Modesty
• Protection of honor
• Preservation of family responsibilities

Suitable fields include:

• Education
• Female medical services
• Religious teaching

/ Social welfare

Being a homemaker is not inferior—it is the backbone of society.

Men and Women: Not Equal, But Balanced

Islam does not promote absolute equality but divinely ordained balance. Roles differ, responsibilities differ, but dignity remains equal.

Allah says:
“Men are caretakers of women…”
(Surah An-Nisāʾ 4:34)

Cause of Social Destruction

When women lose modesty, mothers neglect upbringing, and Islamic boundaries are ignored, families collapse and societies decay. Parents, educational systems, and immoral media all share responsibility.

Suggestions

Daughters should adopt modesty as their strength, sisters should protect family honor, wives should build homes with patience and wisdom, mothers should prioritize moral and religious upbringing, parents should consider daughters a trust from Allah, and society should protect women instead of exploiting them—because when women are safeguarded, generations are safeguarded.

Conclusion

Islam presents a complete, balanced, and merciful system for the upbringing of women—one that preserves dignity without suppressing ability, and grants honor without removing responsibility. A woman who is religiously grounded, morally conscious, and properly educated becomes the strongest pillar of her home and the greatest reformer of society. True peace in the world does not emerge from slogans of unchecked freedom, but from the mother’s lap that nurtures character and the wife’s companionship that brings tranquility. When women are protected through Islamic values, families become strong, societies become stable, and future generations grow upon righteousness. This is not merely an idea
it is a proven divine system for human success.

And Allah knows best.

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