Q: I would like to know whether it is respectful to look at the ustaadh (female)'s face whilst in lessons of hadeth and tafseer? I know we suppose to sit in a respectful way, is it more respectful to look down and not at the ustadhs face, when she's explaining something? What's the most respectful way to behave in class of hadith.
A: Looking at one's teacher's face during the lesson is not regarded to be disrespectful. In fact, there are certain things mentioned in the Mubaarak Ahaadith that can only can be understood and comprehended through physical demonstrations (e.g. demonstrating the hand action of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) at a certain time). In order for the student to fully comprehend the Hadith, the teacher will be required to physically demonstrate the manner in which Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) gestured with his hand. If the student continuously looks down, he will not fully comprehend the meaning of these Ahaadith in their correct context. Hence it is better for the student to look at the teacher's face while conducting the lesson. However, after a girl acquires the basic knowledge of Deen, she should remain at home as this was the practice of the women in the Mubaarak era of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) that they used to remain within their homes. For further details on women's education refer to http://muftionline.co.za/node/1464
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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