Seeking the knowledge of religion (Ilm-e-Deen) is obligatory upon every Muslim, whether it be a man or a woman; however, generally, a lack of religious knowledge and a lack of desire to seek it is found among women. Look at the female companions (Sahabiyaat) and their female successors (Tabi'aat)—to what extent did they possess the quest and yearning for religious knowledge? It is mentioned in the Hadith itself that the female companions requested the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) that men had overcome them (regarding religion)—meaning men got more opportunities to listen to religious discourses and acquire knowledge—therefore, "Please appoint a day for us (in which you may teach us matters of religion)." Consequently, he promised them a day (and appointed a specific day). This Hadith clearly reveals the taste and passion of the Sahabiyaat regarding religious knowledge. On one occasion, Hazrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) praised the women of the Ansar, stating: "The best of women are the women of the Ansar, whom modesty and shyness did not prevent from gaining deep understanding (Tafaqquh) and comprehension of religion." See, Hazrat Aisha praised the Ansari Sahabiyaat by saying that despite their modesty and shyness, they used to acquire religious knowledge; hence, they are the best of women. Accordingly, women investigated and asked about many rulings from the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), and he answered them. Among all the female companions, Hazrat Aisha narrated the highest number of Ahadith. The number of Ahadith narrated by her is two thousand two hundred and ten (2,210). In terms of the abundance of narrations among all the companions (Sahaba), her rank is sixth. Ibn Hajar (may Allah have mercy on him) wrote that even the illustrious personalities among the Sahaba used to ask Hazrat Aisha about complex and difficult matters. Hazrat Aisha's nephew, Hazrat Urwah, stated: "I have never seen anyone more knowledgeable in jurisprudence (Fiqh), medicine (Tibb), and poetry than Hazrat Aisha." Hazrat Imam Zuhri (may Allah have mercy on him) states: "If the knowledge of all the female companions were placed on one side and the knowledge of Hazrat Aisha on the other, the knowledge of Hazrat Aisha would outweigh them all." Hazrat Aisha has been mentioned here merely as an example; otherwise, the pattern of the lives of the Sahabiyaat and Tabi'aat presented in history is a clear proof that all of them remained engrossed in the quest and pursuit of religious knowledge, and this very pursuit elevated them to the highest echelons of knowledge.
