Can Muslim men learn from female teachers?

Women taught men from the start

Aisha, the wife of the Prophet ﷺ, was one of the greatest teachers of the early Muslims. Senior Companions and their students came to her with questions about the Quran, hadith and law, and she corrected them when they got something wrong. In later centuries, women scholars such as Umm ad-Darda taught men in the mosque in Damascus, and many famous male scholars listed women among their teachers.

Knowledge doesn't change value depending on who teaches it.

School, university and work

In Europe and the USA, many teachers, lecturers, tutors and managers are women. Learning from them is fine. Respect them as you'd respect any teacher: listen, follow their instructions, and speak politely. Refusing to be taught by a woman is not an Islamic requirement and can give a wrong picture of Islam. Even professional settings like medical training with female examiners are allowed when needed. See Can I study medicine as a Muslim if exams involve the opposite gender?

Manners to keep

• Lower your gaze and keep conversations about the subject.
• Avoid being alone behind a closed door; keep the door open or meet in a public space.
• Many scholars say not to shake hands; a smile and hand on the heart works. Scholars differ on this, so follow the view you trust.
• Online lessons are fine too. See How do I know if an online Islamic teacher is trustworthy?

Learning the Quran from a woman

Some men worry about hearing a woman recite. The majority of scholars say a woman's voice is not awrah, so learning tajweed from a qualified female teacher is allowed, as long as the setting is proper. Some prefer same-gender teachers for recitation, which is a valid choice. The reverse question has the same answer. See Can a woman learn the Quran from a male teacher?