Does Quran/Islam forbid women from going to school?

The Qur'an does not explicitly forbid women from attending school or seeking education. In fact, the emphasis on knowledge and education is a core principle in Islam that applies to both men and women. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ advocated for the education of all believers, regardless of gender.

For instance, there is a narration from the Prophet ﷺ that states: If a woman among you asks permission (to go out), do not forbid her. Sahih al-Bukhari 10:264SunniSAHIH This indicates a general encouragement for women to participate in activities outside the home, which can include education.

Moreover, Islamic teachings stress the importance of knowledge. Both Sunni and Shia scholars have discussed the significance of education for women throughout Islamic history. In Shia tradition, for example, there are teachings that encourage women to acquire knowledge and partake in scholarly discussions.

While some cultural practices may discourage women's education, these do not align with the principles of Islam, which promotes the pursuit of knowledge for everyone. Therefore, Islam does not forbid women from going to school.