Men teaching women without a barrier | Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Iftaa’ (chaired by Sheikh ibn Baz)

Question: We have many Muslim Circassians here, and they practice many bid'ahs (innovations in religion). Praise be to Allah, we were allowed to teach them the matters of religion. Is it permissible to teach the girls, especially the adults? What are the conditions for doing so? Can we disregard some Bid`ahs, and advise them to quit them gradually? Answer: It is NOT permissible for a man to teach a woman while she is not wearing the Hijab (veil) or in Khalwah (being alone with her), even if she is wearing the Hijab. A woman must be fully covered in front of an Ajnaby (man lawful for the woman to marry). As for covering the head and revealing the face, this is not complete Hijab. However, there is no harm in teaching a woman FROM BEHIND A BARRIER in schools dedicated for women, where there is no mixing between boys and girls, or between male teachers and female students. You can teach women according to these Shar'i rules, and you will be greatly rewarded, as teaching people religion and warning them about Bid'ahs and superstitions is one of the best deeds... It is not permissible for you to disregard Bid'ahs or falsely compliment their doers, but you should advise them wisely and use good preaching, not severity. You should follow the best suitable way you see for Da'wah (calling to Islam) to reach them... [The eighth question of Fatwa no. 18074: Part No : 12, Page No: 158 - 159]