Is it permissible to study at a mixed-gender university in America while adhering to Islamic dress and trying to avoid men, and does the hadith "Seek knowledge even if it is in China" include women?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
A girl's study in mixed and corrupt societies is impermissible. The "Seek knowledge even if it is in China" is fabricated (mawdu'), and the authentic Hadith is "Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim." What is meant by it is the knowledge, for which a Muslim is not excused for being ignorant of.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/28499
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 28499
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy