As-salamu alaykum. Can I join a government-accredited association for the memorization and Tajwid of the Qur’an, and listen to religious recordings by trustworthy scholars, without my father’s knowledge, knowing that he objects to it, and that I am a doctor and 26 years old?

The fundamental principle is that women are commanded to remain in their homes and are prohibited from going out except out of necessity or need, based on the Almighty’s saying: "And abide in your houses," and the Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: "Indeed, the woman is 'awrah (private/exposed); if she goes out, Satan will entice her. And the closest she is to the pleasure of her Lord is when she is in the deepest part of her house."

It is not permissible for a woman to go out without the permission of her parents for something that is not a necessity, such as memorizing the Quran or listening to recordings. The Quran can be memorized and tapes can be listened to inside the home. A woman's work as a doctor or her reaching the age of twenty-six does not permit her to disobey her parents and leave the house without their permission. She should try to convince her father to allow her to attend what benefits her.