Q 2: We have many bad habits here in Algeria, such as men mixing with women which leads to the spread of corruption and bad morals. How can we follow up our education as we are wearing Hijab (veil)? The atmosphere here is filled with dirtiness and lust. Should we stay at home as is being said to us?

A: A Muslim woman can leave her home while wearing Hijab without wearing perfume, showing her ornament or tottering in her walk for the sake of performing Salah (Prayer), teaching, learning what she is in need of and visiting her Mahrams (spouse or unmarriageable relatives), neighbor or fellow women. She is permitted to do so as long as she fears no temptation or transgression from any fool. Otherwise, she has to stay at home. Q 3: Is it impermissible for teachers, men and women, to sit together at school even though the goal for doing so is noble and there are no bad intentions or devilish whispers? (Part No. 12; Page No. 160)  A: Women used to sit behind men when they went out for Salah in the Masjids (mosques) or Musalla (a place for Prayer) for performing Salat-ul-`Eid (the Festival Prayer) during the lifetime of the Prophet (peace be upon him). They used to form rows behind men in Salah. Moreover, if the Prophet (peace be upon him) doubted that women did not hear him while delivering Khutbah (sermon) of `Eid, he used to go to them to admonish them after finishing his Khutbah. Moreover, women at that time were more righteous than women these days. The whole society was more righteous and further away from corruption than our time. Women whether teachers or not should not mix with men and should have a separate group away from them if they want to follow the example of righteous Companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) from among women. Doing so will be useful for blocking the avenues of corruption and temptation even though intentions are pure and the goal for mixing with men is noble.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.