BALANCING EDUCATION, WISDOM, AND FAITH AND THE MISCONCEPTION OF MODERN EMPOWERMENT BY Anamta Zafar

When discussing women empowerment, the first concept that often comes to mind is education. It’s seen as the foundation upon which a woman builds her strength, independence, and voice. However, in the pursuit of education, it is crucial to reflect on whether this empowerment is leading women to become more liberal to the extent of neglecting religious and cultural norms. There is a vital distinction between an educated woman and a wise woman. While education might fill one’s mind with information and open doors to opportunities, wisdom is born out of knowledge and understanding, knowing how to apply that education within the boundaries of one’s values and beliefs. An individual can accumulate degrees and certifications, but wisdom comes from integrating knowledge with experience, faith, and common sense. An educated woman can undoubtedly excel in her career and personal life, but without wisdom, her achievements may lack depth. A wise woman, on the other hand, not only contributes to society through her education but also ensures that her actions are aligned with her beliefs, particularly her religious obligations. In Islam, a woman holds a special and revered position. She can be a mother, a sister, a wife, and a daughter, and in each of these roles, she carries immense responsibility. A woman completes a household with her compassion, wisdom, and presence. Her behavior can turn a home into a place of peace and prosperity or a source of discord, and her role in society and family life extends beyond mere education. Crucially, education should never compel a Muslim woman to compromise her religious values. A truly empowered woman recognizes that her first allegiance is to her faith. However, upholding religious duties does not mean that her family life will suffer. On the contrary, taking care of her family is integral to her faith. Islam has many examples of empowered women who did not sacrifice their religion for their worldly achievements. History offers us countless examples of empowered women in Islam. A Muslim woman can be anything she aspires to be, provided she has the will and opportunity. We need only look at Hazrat Khadija (RA), the first wife of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who was not only a successful businesswoman but also a pillar of support for the Prophet. She was empowered both in her worldly pursuits and her dedication to faith. Similarly, women like Hazrat Fatimah (RA) demonstrated immense strength and wisdom, fulfilling their duties toward family and religion without conflict. This balance between duty and faith is the essence of true empowerment. However, in today’s rapidly evolving world, the youth, especially women, must understand the thin line between modernism and modesty. In an era where liberalism often promotes individualism, it is easy to stray from the boundaries of faith without realizing it. Modesty, or “haya,” is a core value in Islam, and modernism should not be an excuse to abandon it. The challenge lies in knowing one’s worth within the boundaries set by religion and understanding that true empowerment is found in adhering to both faith and wisdom. While education undeniably plays a crucial role in empowering women, modern society’s definition of empowerment has sometimes become problematic, particularly when it clashes with religious and cultural norms. Today, empowerment is often equated with complete autonomy and liberal values that encourage self-expression without limits. However, for Muslim women, empowerment must be rooted in faith and wisdom. The examples from Islamic history show that true empowerment comes from balancing personal and professional ambitions with a strong commitment to religious values. Unfortunately, many young women are being misled by the idea that to be “empowered,” they must forsake traditional values, including modesty and family responsibilities. This misunderstanding can lead to a loss of identity and a disconnection from faith, which is counterproductive to the true essence of empowerment. It is essential to redefine empowerment in a way that encourages education and independence without compromising religious values. Wisdom, after all, is about making choices that reflect both one’s faith and intellect. Empowerment, when framed correctly, is not a conflict between modernity and modesty but a harmonious blend of both. For a Muslim woman, this balance is the ultimate strength, allowing her to contribute meaningfully to society while staying true to her beliefs.