Ruling on girls going to school

Praise be to Allah.

Learning nowadays is an urgent necessity for individuals and societies alike, and at the same time learning outside of institutions whose certificates are recognised is not acknowledged and is like having no education. If a person does not go to these educational institutions, he may be faced with some difficulties and hardships in his life which may well be detrimental to his interests to a large extent. 

Whatever is proven to be in a person’s best interests, and for which there is nothing in Islamic teaching to indicate that it is not allowed, is something that is Islamically prescribed, and with regard to that which is Islamically prescribed, there is no differentiation between males and females, because that which is permissible for men is permissible for women, unless there is evidence for differentiating between them. 

Shaykh al-Albaani (may Allah have mercy on him) said: 

In fact the ability to read and write is one of the blessings that Allah, may He be blessed and exalted, has bestowed upon humanity, as is indicated by the verses in which He, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Read! In the Name of your Lord, Who has created (all that exists),

Has created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood).

Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous,

Who has taught (the writing) by the pen”

[al-‘Alaq 96:1-4].

It is like all other blessings that Allah has bestowed upon them, and wants them to use in obedience to Him. So it is not appropriate for parents to deprive their daughters of education, on condition that they take care to raise them with Islamic attitudes, as is obligatory upon them with regard to their sons also. There is no differentiation in this regard between males and females. 

The basic principle in this regard is that everything that is required with regard to males is also required with regard to females, and what is permissible for males is permissible for females, with no differentiation, as is indicated by the words of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him: “Women are the counterparts of men.” Narrated by ad-Daarimi and others. So it is not permissible to differentiate except on the basis of a text to that effect. 

End quote from Silsilat al-Ahaadeeth as-Saheehah (1/347) 

If a girl wants to study, she should strive to join a school where there is no free mixing, whilst also adhering to Islamic rulings that require observance of hijab and covering, and not making a wanton display of herself or wearing perfume, and not mixing with men on her way to school. 

Guardians of girls should try hard to provide a place where their daughters can learn that is free of things that are contrary to Islamic teachings, even if that requires paying fees or studying online or by enrolling in the university but not attending on a daily basis, and the like. 

Please see also the answer to question no. 127946

And Allah knows best.