The Ruling on Women Seeking Knowledge and How to Do So

Question:
O His Eminence the Shaykh! This questioner asks: Is it permissible for a woman to go out to seek knowledge, and what are the religious subjects that you recommend she study?

Answer:
Yes, it is prescribed for her, and indeed it is obligatory for her to learn by listening to knowledge through the radio, through the Quran radio, through visiting female teachers, attending gatherings of knowledge that she is able to attend while maintaining modesty so that she may hear the benefit and knowledge, asking scholars by telephone, or by correspondence. All of this is seeking knowledge. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: So if there is a woman who teaches women, it is obligatory for her to go to her with other women to learn and gain understanding of the religion. And if there are circles of knowledge for men, and around them are gatherings for women, places specifically for women where they listen to knowledge, she should go and listen to the knowledge while maintaining modesty and caution, and keeping away from the causes of fitnah (trial, discord or temptation). And if she asks by telephone, by phone, or by correspondence, asking scholars about what is difficult for her, all of this is among the means of acquiring knowledge. And Allah (Exalted and Majestic is He) says in His great Book: [Surat al-Taghabun: 16].

The presenter: May Allah reward you.