Photo: MalikNalik/Shutterstock.com

Times of Malta, 27.11.2025 | Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif | amjmalta@gmail.com

In the Times of Malta, the stories of two young Afghan women pursuing their studies in Malta highlight the profound importance of knowledge and education. Their journeys echo the words of the Prophet Muhammad who taught that one must seek knowledge even if it requires travelling as far as China. This saying emphasises that no distance is too far in the pursuit of learning, because education is the key to success and the foundation of a person’s character.

The Prophet Muhammad further underlined the value of education by declaring it obligatory for both men and women. To achieve this noble objective, he established an exemplary educational system through which the intellectual standards of society were elevated. Through this system, those who were literate were instructed to teach those who were not, and special measures were implemented to ensure that orphans and other vulnerable members of society could access education, making sure no one lacks behind in the pursuit of knowledge and education.

Against this backdrop, the situation in Afghanistan – where women and girls are being denied the right to learn – stands in stark contradiction to these teachings. Such restrictions cannot be justified from any social, religious, or moral perspective; rather, they are deeply condemnable.

Afghan students Mumtaz Islamzay (left) and Roya Ahmadi said they were grateful for the chance to study in Malta. Photos: Jonathan Borg

It is very unfortunate and difficult to comprehend the logic behind the concept of restriction on education by the Taliban, when, in the Holy Quran, knowledge and understanding have been described as a great grace and blessing of God. 

It states: “He grants wisdom and understanding to whom He pleases, and whoever is granted wisdom has indeed been granted abundant good, and none takes heed except those endowed with understanding.”

Furthermore, it is also in clear violation of the article 26 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states: “Everyone has the right to education.”

Since regaining control of Afghanistan, the Taliban have implemented policies that foster further ignorance. In contrast, the courage of these young women who risked their lives in pursuit of education is profoundly admirable. Their determination is a powerful reminder that ignorance can only be defeated through knowledge, as darkness can be dispelled through light. 

Education is the most effective tool for combating ignorance and nurturing understanding, harmony, peace and unity in Afghanistan. 

The longer the Taliban ignore this fundamental truth, the further they will drift from building a harmonious, educated, and prosperous nation.

Some may think that the Taliban’s stance against women’s education aligns with Islamic teaching; absolutely not. It is far from the truth. 

In fact Islam guides its followers to ensure that girls and women are both educated and respected. 

Indeed, the Prophet Muhammad said that if a person had three daughters, whom they educated and guided in the best way, they would be sure to enter paradise. This highlights that educating and instilling moral values in girls is itself a path to heaven. 

Therefore, rather than restricting women from education, they should be provided all the necessary tools, means and environment to pursue their studies, whether they aspire to become doctors, teachers, architects, or professionals in any other field through which they can serve their families and their nation.

To deny women and girls an education is to deny them and the nation the path to success and prosperity, and choosing ignorance over enlightenment. Indeed, education is light, and ignorance is darkness.