Is It Haram to Go To a University In a Mixed Environment?

Question:

Assalamu ‘alaykum..

Is it haram to go to school or university for education as there is mixed gathering? I live in India and as it is a Non-Muslim country I can’t find an Islamic university. 

Answer:

Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.

I pray you are well.

Being In a Mixed Gender Environment

No, it is not haram to get an education in a place where both genders are present – as long as one follows the rules of gender interaction. This applies to workplaces and schools.

The important thing is that you lower your gaze from what you should not be seeing as much as you can. Never be alone with a member of the opposite gender, and never touch a member of the opposite gender.

Do this and you’ll be safe. The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Pay attention! A man is not alone with a woman without the Devil being a third with them” (Ahmad). In such a situation the Devil will slowly influence them to go to the haram step, by step. Don’t open that door.
(Nahlawi, al Durar al Mubaha)

Be Polite But Not Too Familiar

Polite, general interaction about necessary matters is permissible, such as working in groups on a project, but you need to stay vigilant lest it opens a door to something wrong. If you do have to interact be polite, but don’t let the conversation go to places where personal matters and issues are discussed.

Ask Allah for help and find a religious crowd to spend your time with. This will help to keep your interactions in a safe zone.

May Allah facilitate all matters for you.

Please see the following  as well:

Fiqh of Gender Interaction and Related Matters – Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History he moved to Damascus in 2007 where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital and he was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.