IMPORTANT Question to Shuyookh and all members of the forum:

[MakeHijraFillah]

Wasnt really getting any responses when I put the following up under the Fiqh section, so moving it over to alMaghrib discussion section hoping to get some input iA.

AsSalaamualikum WaraHmatulla Hi Wabarakatuhu:

I pray that everyone is in a good state of health, eemaan and Ikhlaas.

I have a Question regarding a topic that I believe is relevant to majority of the Muslimeen from teen-to adult (if not all). The issue is regarding attending schools/colleges/universities that are mixed. I have looked into this matter for a few years now, starting from back when I first started high school.

I want to mention first that for me, getting through High School was one of the hardest trials of my life; considering the fact that I would have homos sitting right in front of me or next to me within classroom premises! Not to mention the open discussion of who's still a virgin, drugs, ppl's personal sex life, girls and boys on top of each other,non-stop mixing etc.)- struggling to get through (well more like get out!) of H/S is in it of itself a whole diff story and I'm sure many of you can relate! In fact in today's times no longer are only high schools like this- its also the junior highs and elementary schools!!Unfortunately the third world countries (which are believed to have majority Muslims) have fallen into these same culprits...(the state of Ummah at all angles is just thumbs down)...improvement is not a problem so as long as it is within the boundaries of Islaam however that is obviously not the case!

I am aware that University environment is a bit different than the typical high school environments (considering the fact that uni students tend to be a bit more mature and some are paying out of their pockets!)- maybe, perhaps, could be (Allaah knows best) there is a little less evil going on in uni/college campuses compared to modern day high schools- BUT fact of the matter is its still free mixed, not to mention the other 'action tendencies'.

Ive read numerous different things on this topic and many say that due to the time and age we live in today and the need for degrees in order to get jobs, it is permissible to attend these high schools, colleges or unis with shuroot such as: Hijab has to be properly maintained, try to avoid sitting next to guys or gals, mixing (which is hardly ever possible, since opposite genders aim at you to hug you sometimes!), da'wa Fillah, etc.

However,I personally feel that to me it is an obvious fact that free mixing or anything that even comes close to free mixing is totally haraam in Islaam. I mean if the Rasul (saws) did not allow mixing in the MASJID (the house of Allaah swt in which brothers and sisters go for the Ibaadah of Allaah and even sisters who may not wear Hijab actually try and wear it, people try to lower their gaze and are a bit more conscious of Allaah)- if Rasulullaah (saws) forbade mixing in the Masaajid, and would make the women leave first then the men- then Im wondering how attending mixed schools etc. can be rendered permissible?

Another point many bring up is the issue of it being a matter of dhuroor (necessity) and since in principle many haram things become halaal in times of necessity, our time may be the same. I would like to know exactly what is considered to be a necessity in these terms. Because if we think about it in those terms then in today's time and age many people can say that numerous different matters (which are in Asl known to be haraam) are halaal only because it becomes a necessity in our times- (i.e. Using riba, working in banks, uncovering of sisters in jobs if they are single mothers and are given a hard time at work place, etc etc)

One last point I would like to mention is that the fact of the matter is that Allaah (SWT) has promised those who Fear Him (solely) and keep their duties to Him that He (swt) will make a way out of every difficulty for them. And in today's times there are several other options apart from the typical mixed institutes. Options such as: online degrees (may not be the greatest but avoids numerous haraams), homeschooling options for the younger ones, segregated unis (though they may be quite expensive), other programs that may not require mixing, small Islamic institutions being formed etc. so its a bit difficult for me to understand how attending such schools can be rendered as a necessity and therefore termed as permissible. As I always think: Ends dont justify means.

As youth, we are willing to stick up for our rights to Hijaab, keeping the beard, marriage, etc.-But should we not also stick up for this right of avoiding haram environments?

I would really appreciate it with all my heart if the Shuyookh (specifically) would contribute their insight into this matter. And other input (2 cents) from other members would also be greatly appreciated. I am still a bit shaky on this matter and am bit doubtful regarding whether it is in reality permissible (with certain conditions set of course or if it is haraam in totality, all ifs, buts, whys and hows put aside.

As I mentioned, I know that this is a much debated and hot issue for both youth and adult Muslimeen alike. But it is also a matter that may contribute to destroying or forming our Akhirah as it involves several years of our lives. I intend to try and gather as much input as I can in order to try and distribute to those this pertains to. Wallahul Musta3an.

Looking forward to all input.

JazaakumAllaahu Khairan al KHairal Jazaa-

[Bint Roots]

Fatwa questions are not allowed on AlMaghrib forums. Please refer to various fatwa websites available or consult your local Imam - JazakumAllahu khairun