Scholars’ Gathering Affirms Islamic Consensus on Women’s Right to Education

The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad. Asharq Al-Awsat
The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad. Asharq Al-Awsat
TT

Scholars’ Gathering Affirms Islamic Consensus on Women’s Right to Education

The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad. Asharq Al-Awsat
The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad. Asharq Al-Awsat

Bringing together representatives from Fiqh academies, organizations, councils, and religious committees, along with a distinguished assembly of muftis and senior scholars from various schools of thought and sects across the Islamic world, the Scholars’ Session reaffirmed the enduring consensus in Islam—both historically and contemporarily—on the legitimate right of women to education.

The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, under the leadership of Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars.

At the conclusion of the extensive scholarly dialogue, which lasted several hours, all participants unanimously affirmed—with enlightened judgment—the Islamic consensus, both historically and contemporarily, on the legitimate right of women to education.

This consensus is based on the comprehensive Islamic texts concerning the matter, affirming that women possess the same rights as their male counterparts to education at any age, level, or field of study, provided it aligns with Islamic teachings.

The discussion underscored that this right is rooted in the fundamental Islamic obligation of seeking knowledge, which applies equally to both genders, in accordance with Islamic teachings.

The dialogue included a thorough refutation of all misconceptions surrounding women's education, whether these were complete or partial. Participants emphasized that their religious declaration is intended for all individuals, institutions, and both public and private entities across the Islamic world and minority communities, adhering to the appropriate Islamic methodology for such declarations.

The scholars’ statements praised the comprehensive principles related to the legitimate empowerment of women in general, and their education in particular, as outlined in the Charter of Makkah and the Charter of Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects.

Both international conferences, which issued these charters, were supported by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz.



Saudi Arabia Urges International Community to Halt Israeli Violations of International Law, Norms

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud charing Tuesday's cabinet session - SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud charing Tuesday's cabinet session - SPA
TT

Saudi Arabia Urges International Community to Halt Israeli Violations of International Law, Norms

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud charing Tuesday's cabinet session - SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud charing Tuesday's cabinet session - SPA

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reiterated its call upon the international community to fulfill its responsibility in halting Israel's ongoing violations of international law and norms. This came during the cabinet session held on Tuesday, which was chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The Cabinet also stressed the importance of respecting state sovereignty and territorial integrity to prevent further escalation of regional crises and to support efforts toward achieving a just and comprehensive peace.

The Cabinet was further briefed on the message that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques received from Republic of Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, and the two phone calls received by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud from President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of Brazil Luiz Inácio Lula.
The Cabinet reviewed the outcomes of the Crown Prince's meeting with Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic Kyriakos Mitsotakis and of the strategic partnership council between the two friendly countries, which included reviewing cooperation ties and means to enhance them across various fields and exchanging views on developments of mutual interest and ongoing efforts in this regard.
In a statement to SPA following the session, Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary highlighted the Cabinet's discussion of current regional and international developments. The Cabinet commended the broad international participation in the recent ministerial meetings on Syria hosted by the Kingdom, which aim to support the Syrian people through humanitarian and economic assistance and to help them rebuild Syria as a unified, independent, and secure nation for all its citizens. The Cabinet emphasized that Syria must be free from terrorism and any aggression against its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The meeting also reviewed the Kingdom's ongoing international development and humanitarian relief efforts, which aim to alleviate the suffering of those in need worldwide.