Is it permissible for a brother or someone other than the father to prevent a girl from studying, knowing the virtue of knowledge and the status of its seekers in Islam, and that the verse "And abide in your houses" applies specifically to the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and that knowledge leads to contemplation, which is an act of worship? And when should a girl have a guardian other than her father and husband?

We affirm that a woman's stay in her home is best. The verse of qaraar (settling/remaining) does not apply exclusively to the wives of the Prophet (peace be upon him); rather, women follow their lead in this matter. It is permissible for a woman to go out for her needs, such as education or work, provided she adheres to Islamic guidelines. Sheikh Ibn Baz (may Allah have mercy on him) held the view that a girl may go out for da'wah (calling to Islam) or visiting the sick without her father's knowledge, as long as there is no danger in her going out. A father or brother does not have the right to prevent a woman from going out to seek knowledge or for any benefit unless there is a valid reason for prevention. A husband may prevent his wife from going out for studies or to the market, unless she stipulated this at the time of the marriage contract, or if seeking knowledge is obligatory upon her and the husband does not provide her with a means to acquire it.