Is it permissible for a niqab-wearing student to continue studying at a mixed-gender university—despite her distress—given her parents’ refusal to let her discontinue her studies, claiming that seeking knowledge is an obligation and that she must complete her education due to what they have spent on her? Would the student be sinful for disobeying her parents? And is it obligatory for her to comply with their wishes if she is able to travel with a mahram?

Mixing (between genders) in universities is an abomination (munkar), and one must refrain from studying there if possible. If it is unavoidable, then the rulings of the Sharia (definition) must be observed, such as lowering the gaze, avoiding unlawful seclusion (khalwa (definition)), and refraining from unnecessary speech. If studying at the university exposes you to prohibitions that you cannot avoid except by leaving it, then you are not obligated to obey your parents in completing it; in fact, it is not permissible for you to do so. However, if you can continue your studies there while avoiding prohibitions, then you must obey your parents and complete your studies.