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What is the ruling on assisting an unveiled girl, who studies in a mixed-gender college, to complete her permissible studies by providing her with references and information from the internet?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

The original meaning of sufūr (unveiling) is a woman uncovering her face. Scholars have differed on its permissibility, but they have unanimously agreed on prohibiting it when there is a fear of fitna (temptation), especially if it is accompanied by mixed-gender study, as it invites fitna. As for uncovering the head or part of it, it is forbidden by the consensus of scholars and is considered a form of tabarruj (display of adornment) which Allah has prohibited in the Quran, ordering the hijab (veil) and the drawing of jalabib (outer garments) close, and not to display adornment except to mahārim (unmarriageable kin).

Mixed-gender environments in universities are among the widespread reprehensible acts. It is obligatory for a Muslim to strive to change these reprehensible acts, or at least not to support them.

Regarding helping a girl with her studies, it is not permissible to sit with her to provide her with information due to the danger this poses to one's religion. However, if the assistance is indirect and through mahārim, then its effect on the girl's behavior must be evaluated. If it is positive, it is permissible. If it has no effect, there is no harm in it, because in that case, it is not considered aiding in disobedience, but rather assisting the disobedient person in a context other than the act of disobedience itself.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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