Q 3: Is it permissible for government bodies to force female students to attend celebrations, under the claim of national festivals?

A: There shall be no happiness for nations, no elevation, no organization of their affairs, or stability of their entity without leaders who will rule them aright according to the Book of Allah (Exalted be He) and the Sunnah of His Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him). This needs to be fulfilled in all aspects; beliefs, words, deeds, and dispute resolution with the Help of Allah (Glorified be He). There shall be no prosperity for rulers and people in authority, no regard, or distinction for them without a nation enjoying eminent standing in all aspects of life; religion, uprightness, knowledge, culture, industry, and agriculture, together with possessing the strength and resources that enable the nation to achieve development and reinforce its foundations for it to be a model example that attracts admiration from all and is feared by all. (Part No. 17; Page No. 114) The more effort rulers exert to ensure good governance of their nation and the welfare of people, and the more reform they achieve, the more fruits they will gain in terms of power, dignity, notability, and standing. The more the nation responds to the good that the reformers are inviting their nations to, and they cooperate with them to achieve it, the more happiness, prosperity, comfort, security, etc there will be. Muslim rulers and leaders have to govern their people according to the Shari‘ah (Islamic law), treading in the steps of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and adhering to his teachings and following the way of the Rightly-Guided Caliphs, for them to attain happiness and procure it to their people and have a good end in this world and the Hereafter. They should beware not to violate the Shari‘ah and its upright path and thus throw themselves with their own hands into destruction, through following their whims or imitating non-Muslim countries in the way that they rule their people, their customs, their depraved morals, or their deviant culture where they insert entertainment and impudence into education, mixing between men and women, and other such types of evil and corruption. If they do this, their strength will wane, their power will be weakened, and they will be worthless in the Sight of Allah and so He will lower them. They will deserve the punishment that is the retribution for the corruptors. Finally, there is no human saying more beautiful, complete, precise, or inclusive than the recommendation and advice of the Prophet (peace be upon him) - the man gifted with concise yet most meaningful words - in which he says: (Part No. 17; Page No. 115)  “All of you are caretakers and all of you are accountable to your charges. The Imam (ruler) of people is a caretaker and is accountable to his charges. A man is a caretaker of his family and is accountable to his charges. A woman is a caretaker of her husband’s household and children and is accountable to them. A slave is a caretaker of their master’s property and is accountable to it. All of you are caretakers and all of you are accountable to your charges.” And he (peace be upon him) also said, “Any servant whom Allah appoints in charge of some people but does not sincerely watch over them, will not smell the fragrance of Jannah (Paradise).” And in another narration, “Any ruler appointed in authority over some Muslim subjects who dies deceiving them, Allah will forbid Paradise for him.” Every leader should fear Allah regarding the people under their authority, and they should advise them and judge between them with justice, because they are held accountable for them. (Part No. 17; Page No. 116) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.