• Islamic women's rights became a major news topic after the Taliban had taken control of Afghanistan. The numerous restrictions on a woman's life greatly distorted the actual rights practicing Islamic women enjoy. The actual Islamic rules for the education of women had come into question, as to whether or not women could be educated.
  
  

Authority for Islam

• Dr. Zieba Shorish-Shamley in an article for Afghanistan Online, describes differences in women's rights from the pre-Islamic period to what the Quran actually teaches, and how extremist groups such as the Taliban violate women's rights. Views differ greatly within Islamic societies of various regions that are more influenced by culture than the Quran. For an unadulterated view of Islam, the written Quran should be interpreted as the authority on rules for women in education.
  
  

According to the Qur'an

• The Quran takes a positive position regarding the rights of women and their education. Numerous scriptures equally emphasize the education of both men and women, and recognize education as a means for women to care for themselves and their children.
  Dr. Laila Al-Marayati, former president of the Muslim Women's League and contributor to Islam for Today, explains the Islamic rules for women in education. "The right and obligation of every Muslim to education is spelled out by the Prophet Muhammed in his insistence Muslims must seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave and in his emphasis of divine rewards for those who specifically educate their daughters."
  
  

Social and Behavioral Restrictions

• The same rules that apply to Islamic women in the workplace or outside of the home, must also apply in education. Most importantly the religious practices must remain a priority. Class schedules or events must not interfere with noon prayers, fasting or holy days. In an article by IslamWeb regarding working outside the home, it is stressed that women must always dress and behave to "maintain her inwardly and outwardly modesty and chastity." This would include not being alone with unrelated male members of the family.
  
  

Subjects of Learning

• A good education to many in the Islamic community is a balance of Islamic teachings and secular information. An Islamic woman taking medical, scientific or business courses must also be well educated in Islamic history, philosophy and religious studies.