The vast majority of educational establishments in the Western world, starting from nursery to university, have classes and lectures for both males and females without any segregation. Some Islamic educational centres also offer classes and lectures without gender segregation.

Knowledge is considered to be one of the highest virtues in Islam and the Prophet insisted that people should seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave.[1]

As such, attending co-educational facilities in order to gain knowledge and pursue one’s education is permitted provided that the guidelines laid down by Sharia are adhered to.

The Sharia has laid down rules for interaction between genders implying that such interactions are allowed, since had it been absolutely prohibited, there would have been no prescribed conditions and guidance in the Qur’an. Qur’anic injunctions order both men and women to lower their gaze and protect their private parts (24:30). It also instructs women to wear garments that cover their bodies (33:33) and speak in a manner that does not incite lust (33:32). Adherence to these regulations minimises the risk of unlawful relations. See Is it permitted to attend gatherings where members of the opposite gender are present?