Nafisa al-Barkawi

First female scholar in Egypt to teach Quranic studies, breaking gender barriers

Nafisa al-Barkawi (1828-1900) was a pioneering Egyptian scholar and educator whose work reshaped women's access to religious education in the 19th century. Born into a prominent Cairene family, she defied societal norms by mastering Islamic jurisprudence and Quranic exegesis under the mentorship of her father, Sheikh Ali al-Barkawi. In 1882, she became the first woman in Egypt to publicly teach Islamic theology at Al-Azhar University's affiliated institutions, a milestone later commemorated by Egypt's Ministry of Education in Egypt Today.

Her teaching methods emphasized critical thinking over rote memorization, attracting both male and female students from across the region. Al-Barkawi also authored several treatises on Islamic law, including Fiqh al-Mar'ah, which remains referenced in modern gender studies courses. Contemporary scholars like Dr. Fatima Mernissi highlighted her influence in The Veil and the Male Elite, noting how her intellectual rigor challenged patriarchal interpretations of scripture.

Today, Cairo's Nafisa al-Barkawi School for Girls stands as a testament to her legacy, while the UNESCO Cairo Office includes her in educational initiatives promoting women's leadership in STEM and humanities. Her life exemplifies how intellectual courage can dismantle systemic barriers, making her a foundational figure in Egypt's feminist history.