One of the world’s leading Islamic scholars, Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani, has urged Afghanistan to open girls’ secondary schools.
Mufti Usmani is a leading scholar of hadith, fiqh and Islamic finance. He is considered to be the leading Deobandi scholar in the world and was a former judge in the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
He is also thought to be highly respected by the leadership of the Islamic Emirate which has opened girls’ schools at primary level but not at secondary level as yet.
In his letter to the leader of the Islamic Emirate, Mufti Usmani says it is necessary to provide girls with education in line with the teachings of Islam but also to counter Western propaganda.
Below is a translation of the letter, which was originally written in Urdu, in full:
Letter to the Amir of the Islamic Emirate, Mullah Habitullah Akhundzada.
We the Muslims of Pakistan pray that like Allah has given you a clear victory over many armies of the world, likewise may Allah give you the ability to make Afghanistan a true role model Islamic and successful country. And May Allah remove any obstacles in reaching this goal.
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Previously, this useless man (referring to himself in a modest, humble way) has also received letters from yourself, for this I am thankful from the bottom of my heart, and as much as I can I will support the Emirate which I consider a privilege.
At this time, one of the most important issues is women’s education, which the enemies of the Emirate are using as a means of propaganda. All praises due to Allah till now the wisdom and courage the Emirate has carried out is valued by us. However, we are of the opinion that within the boundaries of Shariah to arrange an adequate system in which women can be educated is very important.
Firstly, due to the needs of women, such as medical attention, education and charitable causes require educated/qualified women, who are a essential to the country. As a result, society will be rid from the harms of free mixing.
Secondly, to be rid of the baseless perspective that Islam or the Islamic Emirate is against women. However, for the provision of women’s education such a system should be provided that is separate from males. I have heard that separate classrooms are not available for males and females. A solution to this could be that in the same building at one time males could be taught and another time females can be taught. Another solution is boys and girls can be taught in the same building with one area designated for males and another area for females. Solutions like this with consultation can easily be arranged God Willing.
Propaganda from the enemies should actively be countered and this is one of the crucial objectives.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) explained the reason for not killing hypocrites is that it could give the enemies the opportunity to spread propaganda that the Prophet kills his companions. Therefore, within the boundaries of Shariah whenever possible the enemies’ propaganda should be countered, must be countered.
May Allah give you the means to stabilise, advance, rectify and make the Emirate a success.
Muhammad Taqi Usmani.
