Upbringing and education
Islam cherishes women since their birth and throughout their lives. It was the idea of treating daughters as sources of shame that led the pagan Arabs, before the advent of Islam, to practice female infanticide. The Quran severely condemned this heinous practice:
"And when the news of (the birth of) a female (child) is brought to any of them, his face becomes dark, and he is filled with inward grief! (58) He hides himself from the people because of the evil of that whereof he has been informed. Shall he keep her with dishonour or bury her in the earth[]? Certainly, evil is their decision. "(16:58-59).It has to be mentioned that this sinister crime would have never stopped in Arabia were it not for the power of the scathing terms the Quran used to condemn this practice (16:59,43:17, 81:8-9).
The Quran, moreover, makes no distinction between boys and girls. The Quran considers the birth of a female as a gift and a blessing from God, the same as the birth of a male. The Quran even mentions the gift of the female birth first: " To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. He creates what He wills. He bestows female children to whomever He wills and bestows male children to whomever He wills" (42:49).
In order to wipe out all the traces of female infanticide in the nascent Muslim society, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) promised those who were blessed with daughters of a great reward if they would bring them up kindly:"He who is involved in bringing up daughters, and accords benevolent treatment towards them, they will be protection for him against Hell-Fire" (Bukhari and Muslim).Islam does not only consider women equal to men in many respects but also urges treating them better than men; the Prophet ( peace be upon him) said "Observe equality in gifting your children. Were I to give priority (on this respect), I would prefer females (i.e daughters ) .Islam also promises great reward for those who treat daughters kindly; Aishah, the Prophet's wife and the mother of the believers (may Allah exalt their mention) said: A poor woman came to my door carrying two little girls. I offered them three dates (i.e. since I had nothing else). She gave each of her two girls a date, and lifted the third one to her mouth to eat. Both her daughters urged her to feed them more, so she split the last date into two pieces and gave one half to each of her two daughters. I admired what the woman had done and told the story to the Prophet of Allah (Peace be upon Him) who said upon hearing it:"Verily Allah obligated paradise for her due to this act of hers" or "liberated her from the Hellfire due to this act of hers." [Muslim #2630] . In another authentic narration he said at the end: "Whoever is tested by trials in caring for these daughters, they will be a cover for him from Hellfire." [Bukhari #1352 & Muslim #2629 ]
Islam calls for material and emotional justice and fair treatment from both parents to their children, regardless of their sexes. A male child is not to be given special preference over a female child, or vice versa. The Prophet of Allah (Peace be upon Him) said to one of his companions who had given a present to only one of his children:"Did you give all your children like this?" He said: "No." He said: "Fear Allah and be just with all of your children." (Muslim,1623)

Women's education
Islam definitely does not deprive women of education. On the contrary, it urges both men and women alike to seek knowledge and acquire learning. The History of Islam records the achievements of many women who excelled in religious sciences, literature, and poetry. When the Prophet married Hafsa, who had just begun to study the rudiments of reading and writing, he entrusted Al-Shafaa; Al ‘Adawiyya to teach her to improve her handwriting and reading. ‘Aisha, daughter of Abu Bakr, the Prophet’s wife, was far more learned than many of the Companions of the Prophet, who recommended that she should be consulted on religious matters, for she was very well versed in all branches of religion, in addition to her knowledge of literature and the principles of the lineage of the Arab tribes Which was a recognized science in that era. Women have the right to obtain education and they are not restricted to get it from their husbands as they are allowed to attend informal lectures and study sessions at mosques, madrassas and other public places. Women could study, earn ijazahs (academic degrees), and qualify as scholars and teachers.
Unlike other practices in other religions which forbid women to learn her religion and order her to remain silent in places of worship, Islam praises a woman trying to learn her religion; Aaisha the prophet's wife praised the women of Medina because of their desire for religious knowledge " How splendid were the women of the Ansar; shame did not prevent them from becoming learned in the faith." Women ,in Islam, have the right to argue even with the Prophet of Islam or Islamic leaders . It is reported in the Qur'an and history that woman not only expressed her opinion freely but also argued and participated in serious discussions with the Prophet himself (Qur'an, 58:1-4; 60:10-12).
It is essential to differentiate between the laws of Islam, which safeguard and protect the dignity and safety of women, and the pre-Islamic traditions and customs, which prevented women from being educated or taking part in any activities. Islam, which honors women and grant them their due, is concerned with the development of a waman’s character, since that enables her to be a more capable and efficient mother and wife who will accordingly be able to play her role in raising a strong generation capable of developing their society, thus increase the welfare of community.
Bibliography :
Websites :
*http://www.islam4theworld.net/eBooks...Fact/index.htm
*http://womeninislam.ws/en/women-righ...daughters.aspx
*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_i...male_education
*http://www.jannah.org/sisters/statuswomen.html
Books :
*WOMEN IN ISLAM VERSUS WOMEN IN THE JUDAEO-CHRISTIAN TRADITION: THE MYTH & THE REALITY
BY Dr. Sherif Abdel Azeem