Is It Permissible for a Woman to Attend University While Maintaining Full Islamic Hijab?

"And remain in your homes and do not display yourselves as was the display of the former times of ignorance."

"And when you ask them for something, ask them from behind a partition. That is purer for your hearts and their hearts."

"Tell the believing men to lower their gaze."

"And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity."

These texts indicate the obligation of protecting both men and women from the causes of temptation, and free mixing between men and women is among the greatest of those causes.

"I have not left behind after me any trial more harmful to men than women."

Explanation: Nothing is more capable of tempting and leading a man astray than an immoral woman because of the powerful emotional influence she has over him. Therefore, if a woman is righteous, she contributes to the righteousness of society, increases its goodness, or reduces its corruption. But if she is corrupt, she corrupts both society and the household, except for those whom Allah protects through strong faith, determination, and resolve. In this hadith, the Prophet ﷺ warned the Ummah about the temptation of women and informed us that it is among the greatest trials for men. At times, this temptation occurs by attracting men and diverting them from the truth when women go out and freely mix with them, which may ultimately lead to varying degrees of zina. Therefore, the believer should seek refuge with Allah and avoid free mixing between men and women.

"Beware of entering upon women." A man from the Ansar asked, "O Messenger of Allah, what about the in-law?" He replied: "The in-law is death."

Explanation: Chastity and purity are among the established principles of our noble religion. It is well known that Satan flows through the son of Adam like blood flows through the veins, seeking to corrupt his religion, defile his natural disposition, strip him of the garments of chastity and purity, and drag him toward immorality and evil. For this reason, the Shariah prohibited approaching all means and causes that lead to evil, for whoever grazes around the forbidden sanctuary is likely to fall into it. In this hadith, the Prophet ﷺ warned against men entering upon unrelated women and being alone with them. He said, "Beware of entering upon women," for no man is alone with a woman except that Satan is the third among them. Human souls are weak, and the motives leading to sin are strong. These texts indicate the obligation of separating men and women and blocking the means that lead to temptation.

"It is not permissible for women to study in mixed schools, institutes, or universities because of the great temptation and widespread corruption found in them. They should not study in such schools, colleges, or institutes. Rather, they should seek education in a proper environment, in schools where there is no mixing... As for studying alongside men in a mixed setting, this is absolutely impermissible."

"If learning can only be attained through free mixing, then she should discontinue her education and remain in her home. As for going to study alongside young men in a mixed environment, then no."

He was asked about studying at a mixed university, and he replied: "Commitment to Islam and free mixing cannot coexist. Therefore, we do not approve of this unjust form of education." He explained that free mixing includes the means leading to temptation, such as looking, listening, and social interaction, and he cited the statement of Allah, the Exalted: "And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is an evil way." (Surah Al-Isra, 17:32)

"It is absolutely impermissible for a Muslim to expose his wife, his sister, or his daughter to such a risk by enrolling her in a mixed university in order to study."

He was asked about a woman who lives in a country where there is no university except one that is mixed, and he replied: "It is not permissible to study in mixed universities where a man sits beside a woman. However, if the men are separated from the women, each in their own area and isolated from one another, then there is no harm. But free mixing is not permissible."