Question: If 12, 13, or 14-year-old girls are memorizing the Quran, is it permissible for a male scholar or Hafiz to teach them face-to-face? The girls wear the niqab, but their faces are uncovered—can a male scholar or Hafiz teach them in this manner according to Shariah?
Answer: The general principle for teaching between men and women is that women should ideally learn from women, and men from men. However, in cases of necessity, men can teach women and women can learn from men, provided it is within the boundaries of Shariah. If due to necessity, a male scholar or Hafiz teaches girls Quran memorization, there is no harm, but it is essential that the girls are behind a screen or partition, so the teacher and students cannot see each other. Additionally, the male scholar should teach a group of girls, not just one, to avoid any form of seclusion (khalwa). Furthermore, all other safety precautions should be observed.
In the scenario mentioned in the question, where the girls’ faces are uncovered while learning from a male scholar, this is not permissible. The correct method is to teach with a screen or barrier in place.
Respondent: Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi Hafizahullah
Jeddah Dawah Center, Saudi Arabia
Interpreter: Hasan Fuzail
Delve into the profound Islamic wisdom behind why a woman's home is her ultimate sanctuary. This article explores the Quranic… Read More
Explore the divine imperative of chastity in Islam, rooted in Quran and Sunnah, safeguarding dignity, family, and society from zina's… Read More
Discover Islam’s profound teachings on kindness to animals and environmental responsibility, rooted in Quranic principles and Prophetic traditions, promoting compassion… Read More
Explore the clear Islamic definitions and prohibitions of backbiting (Gheebah), tale-bearing (Nameemah), and lying. This detailed explanation from Allamah Zayd… Read More
Explore how women, as mothers and wives, form the cornerstone of family and society through nurturing, harmony, and value instillation,… Read More
Discover the metaphor of spouses as garments in Quran 2:187, exploring protection, comfort, intimacy, and mutual rights for a blessed… Read More