Islam and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): An Analysis of Gender Equality towards Education

Abstract

Islam, as a divine religion, presents a comprehensive code of life through the teachings of the Qur’an and the Shariah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), addressing every aspect of human and social development. Among the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Islam particularly emphasizes gender equality in education, recognizing both men and women as equal human beings in their spiritual and intellectual capacities. Islam advocates that education is a universal right without discrimination of gender, race, or social status. This study explores the correlation between Islamic principles and SDG 4 and SDG 5, which promote inclusive education and gender equality. It demonstrates that Islam established educational equality more than fourteen centuries ago, ensuring women’s active participation in knowledge and social progress. The findings conclude that Islam and the modern SDGs share a unified vision: social harmony and human development can only be achieved when both genders are equally educated, empowered, and engaged in societal growth.