How can a female student be exemplary and make her study in the mixed field of tourism and hotels a service to religion? And is seeking worldly knowledge in this field considered forbidden, especially given the prevailing negative view of tourism?

We have previously clarified the impermissibility of mixing in the prevalent organizations in universities. If you are compelled to do so, you must adhere to the Sharia (definition) guidelines mentioned in Fatwa (definition) no. 32471.

As for studying in a Faculty of Tourism, it is not inherently forbidden. However, it becomes forbidden if it necessitates engaging in something unlawful, or if the intention behind it is to work in an unlawful field or to assist in it, because means are judged by their ends. Working in the field of tourism, while not forbidden in itself, can become forbidden due to the prevalent evils and temptations that are often inseparable from it, as mentioned in Fatawa 33891, 45271, and 34701.

If you can avoid forbidden things, then your work is permissible; otherwise, it is forbidden, and consequently, the money earned from it is also forbidden.

It is authentically narrated from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him: "O people, Allah is good and accepts only what is good. And Allah commanded the believers with what He commanded the messengers, saying: 'O messengers, eat from the good things and do righteous deeds. Indeed, I am knowing of what you do.' And He said: 'O you who have believed, eat from the good things which We have provided for you.' Then he mentioned a man who travels a long distance, disheveled and dusty, extending his hands to the sky, saying, 'O Lord, O Lord,' while his food is unlawful, his drink is unlawful, his clothing is unlawful, and he is nourished by what is unlawful—how then can his supplication be answered?" Narrated by Muslim.

And in the Hadith (definition): "Every body that is nourished by unlawful earnings, the Fire is more befitting for it." Narrated by Al-Tabarani, and authenticated by Al-Albani.