According to the Sunni scholar Ibn ʻAsākir in the 12th century, there were opportunities for female education in the medieval Islamic world, writing that women could study, earn ijazahs (academic degrees), and qualify as scholars and teachers. This was especially the case for learned and scholarly families, who wanted to ensure the highest possible education for both their sons and daughters. Ibn ʻAsakir had himself studied under 80 different female teachers in his time. Female education in the Islamic world was inspired by Muhammad's wives, such as Khadijah, a successful businesswoman. According to a hadith attributed to Muhammad, he praised the women of Medina because of their desire for religious knowledge: COUNT 5
QSN1 What titles could women earn by going to Islamic schools? ANS1 scholars and teachers QSN2 Who wanted to ensured that their daughters were educated in Islamic schools? ANS2 learned and scholarly families QSN3 Why did the prophet Muhammad esteem women in Medina? ANS3 their desire for religious knowledge QSN4 Who created a pathway for education for women in the Islamic world? ANS4 Muhammad's wives QSN5 Which one of Muhammad's wives had a particular impact on his view of women and education? ANS5 Khadijah