What is the ruling on a girl traveling to France without a mahram and staying in her aunt's house, where her aunt's two adult sons also reside, given her knowledge that some say Sheikh Al-Shaarawi, may Allah have mercy on him, educated his daughter in London? Should she follow the actions of the righteous and scholars in this regard?

The question contained several points, including: a woman traveling to study in a non-Muslim country where immorality is widespread, her traveling without a mahram, her residing with non-related relatives, and emulating the righteous. These points are addressed as follows:

1. Studying in a non-Muslim country: It is not permissible to travel to study in a non-Muslim country except out of dire necessity, and with strict conditions such as not exposing 'awrah in front of non-Muslim women, avoiding evils, and seeking Muslim company. These are difficult conditions to meet, therefore we do not advise undertaking such studies. 2. Woman traveling without a mahram: Traveling without a mahram is forbidden by Islamic law, based on the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, who said: "It is not permissible for a woman who believes in Allah and the Last Day to travel for a day and a night except with a mahram." 3. Residing with non-related relatives: It is permissible for a woman to reside with her non-related relatives, such as her aunt's husband and his two sons, provided that she avoids khalwah (private seclusion) with them, does not expose her 'awrah in front of them, and avoids being soft in speech when talking to them. 4. Emulating the righteous: A Muslim must act upon what they know to be correct from the fatwas, and seek fatwas from someone who combines piety and knowledge. It is not permissible to emulate the righteous in their actions that may be mistaken, for they are not infallible. 5. Advice for the young woman: She must fear Allah and keep away from temptations, for certificates and positions are not worth Allah's wrath. She should abandon this forbidden travel and be content with the work that her current certificate allows, for the mentioned study is fraught with dangers and temptations.