Literacy in Islam

Literacy means to be able to read and write, and this day is to celebrate and remind us of the importance of literacy for all.

All Muslims, no matter where they are from, try to learn to read Arabic so that they can read the Holy Quran, the Holy Book for Muslims. In fact, the first word that was revealed of the Holy Quran was ‘Recite’. The word Quran means ‘that which is read or recited often’.

International Literacy Day was first celebrated in 1967. Some years there have been themes such as ‘Literacy and Peace’ and Covid-19.

Reading and writing is very important for everyone including Muslims. The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, encouraged his followers to be literate, and said that we should preserve knowledge through writing.

It’s not just about reading and writing. Literacy is a matter of dignity and our human rights. Places with low levels of literacy are often very poor and where people are not treated equally. Islam tells us to try and improve ourselves and our situation too. Literacy can help us all be better on our own and together!