By Sabir Musa

Arua

The misinterpretation of Quran verses and teachings of Islam on education by some community members is worrying Moslem leaders in Arua City who are now advocating for equal education opportunities for girl child.

Arua Central Division Secretary for Education at Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, Akida Amin reveals that, the negative mindset is greatly affecting enrolment of girls in school. He says, several Muslim girls fail to get chance of education as result of negative attitude.“The Quran is clear and says read in the name of thy Lord who created you (Surat 96, Al-Alaq), that word ‘read’ combines both male and female. He quotes, adding that interpretation of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) made it clear that “seeking of knowledge is obligatory upon Muslim men and women but generally in our African society, we look at girls as source of income through marriage and that is what is killing us”.

He made this statement at a time when learners from Muslim secondary schools gathered for a student’s convention organized by Nasur Islam Da’awa and Development Organization in partnership with Uganda Muslim Supreme Council to celebrate Eid-Al-Adhuha at Islamic University In Uganda, Arua Campus where Girl Child Education was one of major focus areas.

Speaking to Radio Pacis moments before her session, one of the facilitators, Zainab Saidi stated that, Islam encourages education especially for girl child. “In most cases people tend to zero it to the Islamic perspective by saying that Islam does not allow girls to be in school. So in this topic, there are enough evidences from the holy Quran and teaching of prophet who preached the religion showing girl child that education is equally meant for them as well as for boys” she said.

The Head Prefect at Najah Muslim Secondary School, Natashsa Hanifa advices fellow girls to prioritize education as it helps to shape them in life. “A lot of things are happening today in the world we are living in. If girls are not educated, it will risk their lives. At least if the person is educated, there are a lot you can expect from the person” the Head Prefect advised.

The student convention was a pilot program which organizers plan to have it annually as a platform for Muslim students to share ideas and build their knowledge.

COVER PHOTO: Arua Central Division Secretary for Education at Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, Akida Amin (2nd right) in a group photo with some students and facilitators By Sabir Musa