Q 1: I have a daughter in the second year of the Faculty of Medicine. She has stopped studying this year because she thinks that going out of home for education is Haram (prohibited) for a woman. She was studying for a profession in medicine, with the intention of treating Muslim women by specializing in gynecology and treating poor women for free. This was her intention when she entered the Faculty of Medicine to study to be a doctor, and this is still her intention. In fact, her belief in this has increased and she loves medicine, but she fears Allah and fears that by going out for education, she will be committing a sin, even though she goes to the faculty in full Islamic clothing, wearing a Niqab (face veil).

A: Learning medicine is a collective obligation on Muslim men and women. They are both needed to provide medical treatment for men and women. If women go out of their homes dressed immodestly or semi-naked, in violation of the Islamic dress code, or making a public display of their adornment or charms, this is Haram. However, if your daughter is as you described, and she wears Islamic clothing that covers all her body, does not reveal what is underneath it, or shows the shape of her body, then there is no sin in her going out (Part No. 12; Page No. 181) for a necessity, as long as she is not studying in a coeducational system. In fact, she should continue her studies in the Faculty of Medicine, and specialize in branches related to women and children. The Ummah (nation based on one creed) is in need of female Muslim doctors, so women will be spared examination by male doctors who see their `Awrah (parts of the body that must be covered in public) when delivering their babies or diagnosing their illnesses. If this student has good intentions that motivate her to learn this profession and practice it, she will receive a great reward. So she needs to confidently anticipate Allah's Reward, have a sincere intention, and carry on with her studies. May Allah grant her success and guidance to the most righteous path.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.