Is striving to obtain a master's degree for the purpose of working, maintaining one's chastity, and serving Muslims considered seeking worldly gain, or is a Muslim rewarded for it with a sound intention? Is it permissible for a woman to travel a distance of forty kilometers without a mahram for the purpose of studying? And is it permissible to speak with the supervising professor over the phone in the presence of her mother?

A Muslim woman's pursuit of beneficial knowledge and permissible work is a commendable endeavor. Not all pursuit of worldly matters is blameworthy; rather, some of it is obligatory, some recommended, and some permissible. The pursuit of worldly matters is only blameworthy if it is through impermissible means, or if its purpose is accumulation and boasting. A woman's travel for study is permissible if it is safe and does not expose her to temptation. Speaking with a supervising professor without yielding in speech, for the purpose of study, is not problematic.