Mixed Schools and Looking at the Opposite Sex

Ustadh Tabraze Azam is asked a series of questions about receiving an education in schools where and women attend and if it is permissible.

Question:

Assalam alaykum wa rahmat Allah wa barakatuh.

I’m a 17 year old girl who lives in a non-Muslim country. I am studying in a mixed school where men and women are mixed in a class. I can also can assure you that I can’t attend a school where there will be only girls, because such schools are far away from our city and there is no non-mixed school here in the city where I am in.

I want to quit that mixed school because it includes looking at non-mahram men which makes afraid to fall into sin, but I am afraid that I will be thrown out of the house by my parents. When I ask them to let me leave this school, they want me to finish my school and there are two more years left. Please guide me regarding this, what should I do?

Answer:

Wa alaykum assalam wa rahmat Allah wa barakatuh.

You should complete your studies at school.

I’m not sure where you’re getting your religion from, but, normally, it is not sinful for a lady to merely look at an unrelated man. This is particularly the case when you are a student and he is the teacher and you’re trying to learn something from him in a classroom setting.

I’d suggest you focus your religious attention on fulfilling your devotional duties soundly, and learning what the impermissible is and then avoiding it. Otherwise, work and study hard with a praiseworthy intention and you can be hopeful of a reward from Allah Most High for it.

Please also see Basic Fiqh of Looking at the Opposite Sex and Guidelines for Interacting With the Opposite Sex.

Consider also taking this course: Essentials of Halal and Haram (Hanafi): Practical Guidelines for Godfearingness in Everyday Life.

And Allah Most High knows best.

Wassalam,

Tabraze Azam

Checked and approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani.