Is it true that Islam forbids women to leave their homes? If some women get good qualifications or want to serve their country or their families, are they allowed to do so in Islam?

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

Saying that "Islam does not permit the woman to go out or leave her house" is not true. In fact, Islam permits women to go out of their homes in order to satisfy any necessary needs or to acquire anything that is profitable for their community like learning the Sharee’ah or other necessary worldly knowledge. Islam even permits women to work.

But Islam sets conditions for women's work and other activities outside the house.

1. She should have permission from her guardian (father or husband).

2. She should not stay outside her home for a period exceeding that which is necessary for her very need. Allah Says (what means): {And stay in your houses,…} [Quran 33:33]

3. She should not wear perfume or be unveiled when going outside. Allah Says (what means): {O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.} [Quran 33:59] Allah also Says (what means): {And abide in your houses and do not display yourselves as [was] the display of the former times of ignorance.,…} [ Quran 33:33]

4. She should not be soft in speech when talking with men Allah Says (what means): {…then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy, or evil desire for adultery, etc.) should be moved with desire, …} [Quran 33:32]

5. She should not stay in seclusion with any non-Mahram man.

If the Muslim woman abides by the above, there is no harm in her going out to study, work or do other necessary activities.

Allah knows best.