How can I deal with my heart's attachment to a shaykh from whom I am learning, and is it correct to distance myself from him completely, or to strive against the whispers of Satan and continue seeking knowledge from him, knowing that communication with him is formal and limited, and I fear that this attachment may be to other than Allah or a cause for the hardening of my heart, and there is no alternative to him in correcting my beliefs?

There is no harm in loving the Sheikh for his knowledge and piety; rather, this is a form of love for the sake of Allah. As for loving him with lustful desire for his beauty, there is no sin in it unless it is accompanied by intention or effort [to pursue it]; however, it must be repelled. We advise you to continue attending the faith-based sessions while adhering to the Islamic guidelines, such as the hijab between women and the Sheikh, and refraining from correspondence. Inquiries can be made through other women or through one's husband, though it is preferable for women to have their own dedicated lesson. There is no reason to cease attending lessons of knowledge, but precautions must be taken and avenues to temptation must be blocked.