Encouraging Women to Attend Circles of Knowledge

Question:
We request that you address the attendees regarding an important issue. We see hundreds of our brothers present—may Allah reward them with good—who are consistent and eager to continue attending these circles. The question is: Are all these attendees unmarried, or do they not have women in their homes, such as sisters, daughters, or aunts, and so on? Because we see, O Shaykh, that there are not many women present at these beneficial circles, and there is a shortcoming on the part of our Muslim brothers. We ask you to direct a word on this matter so that the good and benefit may extend to the women, for women are the most ignorant of the children of Adam regarding the matters of their religion, and leaving them without learning is dangerous.

Answer:
There is no doubt that it is of great good and benefit for women and all people to listen to scientific lectures and academic seminars. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: It was said, “O Messenger of Allah, and what are the gardens of Paradise?” He said: And he (peace and blessings be upon him) said: .
And he (peace and blessings be upon him) said: .
Therefore, women should listen to the benefit, but on the condition that they are covered, veiled, and far from fitnah (trial, discord or temptation) in a safe place where knowledge and benefit are heard.
I have also previously told you that you have accessible circles. A woman can be on her bed and in her home. These circles are on the Quran Radio, in Nur 'ala al-Darb, and in lessons on the Quran Radio. So I advise men and women to listen to them, to listen to these circles on the Quran Radio specifically, the scientific circles and Nur 'ala al-Darb. They listen to them at Maghrib and at nine-thirty at night from the Quran Radio every night. There are questions about what concerns women and men regarding rulings, what is obligatory, and what is prohibited.
This is knowledge present for a person in his home, which his wife, mother, sister, and daughter can listen to, instead of sitting at the television or sitting listening to songs and entertainment. Instead of all this, they can listen to Nur 'ala al-Darb for half an hour every day, half an hour in which they hear what benefits them in this world and the Hereafter. So I advise this matter, and I hope that the attendees will convey this to the women they have, and to those who do not have women, so that everyone, men and women, listens. Because not every woman can attend the circles in the mosques; she may not be able to do so, she may be prevented from doing so, she may be far from the circle, or her going out may involve fitnah (trial, discord or temptation). But this which is in her home, which she listens to in her sitting place, on her bed, and in her place, is made easy—by the praise of Allah. It is knowledge obtained without burden.