The earth is the place where man and woman are to evolve and become perfect. In the course of this process, human beings will be tried and developed, elevated or lowered according to their merits and demerits before their final judgment on the Doomsday. The Qur'an advises mankind to get instructed while on earth in the line drawn by the Almighty. To get knowledge by study and acquire erudition is what the Qur'an stresses over and over again. In addition to the divine wisdom that the Qur'an includes, of which the latter enjoins the man to be instructed in one, is advised to learn positive sciences. The woman who brings up her children should, of necessity, be well-instructed in both so that she may pass her knowledge to her progeny, especially in the contemporary world. A woman deprived of education and pent up in her house will not be in a position to instruct her children. This is against both the Qur'an and the Prophet's sunna

'READ!' IN THE NAME OF THE LORD

Proclaim! (or read!) in the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created- Created man, out of a (mere) clot of congealed blood: Proclaim! And thy Lord is Most Bountiful,-He Who taught (the use of) the pen,- Taught man that which he knew not. (96/1-5)

… Are those equal, those who know and those who do not know?... (39/9)

The Qur'an addresses to the entire humanity without making any distinction between sexes and races. The first verse revealed by God was 'Read!' addressed to the Prophet, which also implied man supposed to learn the divine laws of creation. Man is expected to try to know himself, the reason why he came to the world, the responsibilities incumbent upon him, his duties toward the Omniscient and Omnipotent Creator and toward his fellow beings, nations and humanity in general. To this end the Qur'an will show him the path. Unless he as homo sapiens becomes perfect along the line drawn by God. … But turn away from the ignorant. (7/199) : "Are those equal, those who know and those who do not know? (39/9) So, in addition to the divine law, one is expected to increase his intellectual capacity by learning medicine, chemistry, ecology, law, psychology, etc. and to pass his knowledge to others.

Well-educated women who have received a proper training in one or more disciplines become a good mate both morally and physically of their spouses, a good mother who can bring up her children in the best way possible. Those who still are of the idea that the place of woman is her house turn her into a mere thing or an inferior rank as homo sapiens. This is not an in junction that one can encounter either in the Qur'an or in the sunna of the Prophet. The underdeveloped state of the contemporary world of Islam is certainly due to woman's segregation.

TRAINING AND EDUCATION ACCORDING TO SUNNA

Women had been the subject of affection and courtesy in the sight of Muhammad. It is reported by Bukhari that he had reserved one day in the week for listening to the suggestions and complaints by women. His own wives assisted him in this. Hafsa was literate. Aisha was specialized in canonical law and even the most learned scholars used to have recourse to her counsel. She was also an expert in Arab history and genealogy. The Prophet had given her the charge of educating his other wives. And recite what is rehearsed to you in your homes, of the Signs of Allah and His Wisdom: for Allah understands the finest mysteries and is well-acquainted (with them). (33/34)

We have the following tradition reported by Bukhari: "The person, having in his possession a concubine, shall see to it that she receives a decent education, and emancipate her so that she may marry as a free woman, and God will doubly reward that person." Among the Companions of the Prophet twenty jurist women are reported. The Prophet asserted that pursuit of knowledge was a duty for every Muslim. In another tradition he said: though it be in China, the seeker of truth must go thither. (See Prof. Dr. Muhammed Hamidullah, Ưslam Peygamberi II, p.79)

PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY FROM FIRE

O ye who believe! save yourselves and your families from a Fire … (66/6)

… And when ye are told to rise up, rise up Allah will rise up, to (suitable) ranks (and degrees), those of you who believe and who have been granted (mystic) Knowledge. (58/11)

To protect yourself and your family from the fire of hell you must first edify yourself and educate your family. The first step in the education and training of children is to teach them how to feel affection toward their fellow beings. Who created us and for what purpose? What has God Almighty entrusted us with? What are the commandments and prohibitions that God has laid down? What a man should do to acquire the knowledge necessary to assist the welfare of humanity? Must man work hard? How can one contribute to the edification of one's community? Can philanthropic activity be considered a devotional act? Every parent must be able to provide answers to such questions.

The conditions that will enable an individual to enter the paradise are set down in the verses of the Qur'an. Be quick in the race for forgiveness from your Lord, and for a Garden whose width is that (of the whole) of the heavens and of the earth, prepared for the righteous,- (3/133)

Nay.- Those that keep their plighted faith and act aright,-verily Allah loves those who act aright..(3/76)

These people will be saved from the fire of hell.

The importance of knowledge is emphasized in the following verse: . O ye who believe! When ye are told to make room in the assemblies, (spread out and) make room: (ample) room will Allah provide for you. And when ye are told to rise up, rise up Allah will rise up, to (suitable) ranks (and degrees), those of you who believe and who have been granted (mystic) Knowledge. And Allah is well- acquainted with all ye do. (58/11)

God Almighty desires that both man and woman pray God to be able to have an insight into the mystery concealed in the verses of the Qur'an. . High above all is Allah, the King, the Truth! Be not in haste with the Qur'an before its revelation to thee is completed, but say, "O my Lord! advance me in knowledge." (20/114)