Advice to a father who prevents his daughter from studying

Question:
Her father opposes her continuing her studies, and she seeks guidance from Your Eminence for herself and her father?

Answer:
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise is to Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon the Messenger of Allah, and upon his family and his Companions, and whoever follows his guidance. As for what follows, seeking knowledge for both men and women is among the best acts of drawing near to Allah and among the most important acts of obedience. This is based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): “Whoever travels a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise.” And His saying (peace and blessings be upon him): “Whoever Allah wishes good for, He grants him understanding in the religion.” And His saying (peace and blessings be upon him): “The best of you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it.” Yes.
My advice to you and to your father is to continue with beneficial and useful Islamic studies under the guidance of scholars known for their uprightness, sound creed, and good conduct. This is part of gaining knowledge of the religion, which is a sign of goodness and a sign that Allah intends good for His servant. The father should observe what he ought to observe regarding your going to school with trustworthy and reliable companions, and not going with the driver alone. Also, regarding the care of the school: if it is a good school with female teachers known for their sound creed and conduct, this is something the father should support. However, if the studies there contain something the father fears for you, then listen to and obey your father; this is part of his advice to you and his dutifulness to you. In summary, you must reach an understanding with your father on this matter. If the studies are under good female teachers known for goodness, and it is easy for you to go to school in a proper manner, without seclusion with the driver or anyone else, then the father will agree, if Allah wills, to this great good. And if there are reasons for prohibition, the father does not want anything but good for you, if Allah wills. So listen to and obey your father; being dutiful to him is among the most important matters. Allah (Exalted and Majestic is He) has commanded dutifulness to parents in many verses, including His saying, the Exalted: I ask Allah to grant you and your mother success in what brings absolution of responsibility for everyone and well-being for everyone. O Allah, amen. May Allah reward you with good.