What is the ruling on a Muslim girl residing alone in a foreign country for the purpose of study and acquiring knowledge, knowing that she wears the hijab and has righteous companionship there?
It is not permissible for a woman to travel without a mahram, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "It is not permissible for a woman to travel for three [days] unless she has a dhū maḥram with her." A woman's travel for study without a mahram is forbidden by Islamic law, especially to a non-Islamic country. The justifications mentioned for travel (seeking knowledge, wearing hijab, having good company) are not sufficient. She must repent and return to her country.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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