This study explores the current state of knowledge on women's education in the Islamic world, with a particular focus on Afghanistan. Using a bibliometric and science mapping approach, the researchers analyzed 708 publications from the SCOPUS database to assess trends, key contributors, and the intellectual structure of research in this field. Data analysis was conducted using Excel and R software. Findings reveal that academic interest in Afghan women’s education only began to rise significantly after 2001. Notable contributors include Sayeed Naqibullah Orfan and Terence M. Kean, whose work often centers on mental health, gender inequality, and leadership. Leading institutions in this field are based in the U.S., particularly Boston and California universities, while Afghan universities like Kandahar and Takhar are emerging players. The U.S., UK, Australia, and Germany have the most citations, primarily focusing on PTSD and mental health issues rather than educational challenges specific to Afghan women. The body of literature is fragmented, with underexplored themes such as patriarchy and gender-based violence. Additionally, the research lacks presence in high-impact journals and excludes non-Scopus literature. The study highlights the need for more nuanced, locally informed research that considers political, cultural, and economic barriers to women’s education in Afghanistan, urging stronger international collaboration.

Early childhood Islamic education is important because it influences children’s spirituality, character, and worldview. However, in practice, many early childhood education institutions in Islamic countries are still oriented towards a memorization and dogmatic approach, which provides little space for the development of children’s critical thinking from an early age. This article aims to examine the integration of a fitrah-based education approach in transforming early childhood Islamic education, with a focus on its potential to foster critical awareness rooted in faith. This study employs a qualitative method, drawing on literature reviews, a case study, and interviews with the management and a teacher of the BATAS Study. This early childhood education institution implements a fitrah-based education approach. The results of the study show that education based on fitrah can encourage children to think reflectively, understand values contextually, and internalize Islamic spirituality meaningfully. The main challenges include changing the role of teachers from being full authorities in learning to facilitators and nurturers of the child’s maximum potential. The BATAS Study offers a real-life example of how integrating faith, freedom of thought, and emotional guidance can shape children into independent, empathetic, and socially aware individuals. This article recommends a more transformative and dialogical approach to Islamic education, one that humanizes children from an early age, aligning with their inherent nature.