WOMAN’S ROLE IN ISLAM

with high standards. The principle of reservation and concessions must be shunned. Only those students who are truly qualified should find a place in the university. At the same time, Muslims should be encouraged to enter into all educational institutions, whether run by Muslims, Hindus, or Christians. The proper way for Muslims to achieve progress is to set the goal of education for its own sake. Literacy, the acquisition of basic general knowledge, and some experience with problem-solving have an intrinsic value for the individual and for society which cannot be overestimated. Universal primary education was wisely made a solemn directive in the Constitution of Independent India. The fact that a considerable number of our population of 1.35-plus billion is still denied this elementary human right is a major source of the problems our various communities face today. What Muslims need today more than a Muslim university is Muslim schools. It is a matter of the greatest urgency that an appropriate number of standard schools at the primary and secondary level be started in every settlement. Women can play a great role in this campaign for education. For instance, educated women can coach their children at home. The literate woman’s ability to read to her young children, and the example she sets in her own quest for knowledge are the most powerful stimuli in their educational progress. Furthermore, women can be better teachers than men when it comes to teaching children. For women, this will not amount to a change of workplace, but will simply be an extension of the home, a broadening of the practical activity centred on child-rearing assigned to her by nature. By playing this role effectively, Muslim women can prepare the next generation, which is the greatest need of the hour. In this way, they will hasten the time when an entire generation will be equipped with standard education. They would then have every opportunity to receive education in the higher institutions of their choice, and would be more certain of finding productive employment thereafter. o Women can play a great role in this campaign for education. The literate woman’s ability to read to her young children, and the example she sets in her own quest for knowledge are the most powerful stimuli in their educational progress.