Female scholars on social media

If a woman possesses sound Islamic knowledge, observes the guidelines of the Shariah, and sincerely intends to teach and spread Islam for the sake of Allah, then the basic ruling is that teaching Islam to women, guiding them, running a madrasa, and spreading Islamic knowledge among women is permissible and is a righteous act deserving of reward.

However, all of this must be carried out within the limits prescribed by the Shariah.

1. Evidence from the Qur'an

Allah Most High says:

«﴿وَلۡتَكُن مِّنكُمۡ أُمَّةٞ يَدۡعُونَ إِلَى ٱلۡخَيۡرِ وَيَأۡمُرُونَ بِٱلۡمَعۡرُوفِ وَيَنۡهَوۡنَ عَنِ ٱلۡمُنكَرِ﴾»

“Let there arise from among you a group who invite to all that is good, enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong.”

(Surah Aal 'Imran 3:104)

This command includes both believing men and women, with each fulfilling this duty according to the guidelines of the Shariah.

Allah also says:

«﴿وَٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَ وَٱلۡمُؤۡمِنَاتُ بَعۡضُهُمۡ أَوۡلِيَآءُ بَعۡضٖ يَأۡمُرُونَ بِٱلۡمَعۡرُوفِ وَيَنۡهَوۡنَ عَنِ ٱلۡمُنكَرِ﴾»

“The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong.”

(Surah At-Tawbah 9:71)

2. Evidence from the Sunnah

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

««بَلِّغُوا عَنِّي وَلَوْ آيَةً»»

“Convey from me, even if it is only one verse.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 3461)

He ﷺ also said:

««خَيْرُكُمْ مَنْ تَعَلَّمَ الْقُرْآنَ وَعَلَّمَهُ»»

“The best among you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it to others.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 5027)

3. The Example of the Female Companions

The Mother of the Believers, Sayyidah A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her), taught countless Companions and Successors in matters of Qur'an, Hadith, and Islamic jurisprudence. Likewise, other female Companions also played an important role in educating and guiding women. This demonstrates that women teaching Islamic knowledge is a legislated and praiseworthy act, provided the limits of the Shariah are observed.

4. Giving Da'wah Through Social Media

If a female scholar or Islamic teacher:

- observes proper Islamic hijab,

- covers her face with a niqab if she follows the opinion that requires it,

- avoids adornment and unnecessary beautification,

- speaks in a dignified manner without a soft or alluring tone that may cause temptation,

- avoids unnecessary private communication or free mixing with non-mahram men,

- and her intention is sincerely to serve the religion of Allah,

then it is permissible for her to use social media to teach Islam and encourage women, especially young women, to learn and practice their religion.

Allah Most High says:

«﴿فَلَا تَخۡضَعۡنَ بِٱلۡقَوۡلِ فَيَطۡمَعَ ٱلَّذِي فِي قَلۡبِهِۦ مَرَضٞ وَقُلۡنَ قَوۡلٗا مَّعۡرُوفٗا﴾»

“Do not be soft in speech lest the one in whose heart is a disease should become desirous, but speak in an appropriate and dignified manner.”

(Surah Al-Ahzab 33:32)