What is the ruling on studying at a mixed-gender Islamic university in Malaysia, where women wear the hijab—except for their faces and hands—and are spatially separated from men, given that there are alternative study options that are of lower quality and take longer? Is it permissible to look at a veiled female teacher there? And does mixing become impermissible if one of the women uncovers her forearm or the like?
The situation mentioned in the question is not among the forbidden types of mixing, due to the distinction between men and women. While it is not permissible for a woman to expose her forearm, this does not render this mixing unlawful or prohibit this study according to Islamic law. It is obligatory to lower one's gaze and avoid anything that leads to temptation.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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