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Fatwa CenterQuestions her future studies in science
Question
I have a query regarding my studies. I have opted for biotechnology in my higher secondary school. Right now I'm in my second year. Is it a wise choice to continue my studies in biotech or other related fields like genetics/biomedicine/bioinformatics/forensic science, etc? I mean, science can be used in both good and bad ways, right? I'm interested in representing Islam in modern world. Presently I'm studying in Qatar and I'm planning to continue my studies in India. I had Al-Hamdulillaah, prayed Salaat Al-Istikhaara before opting this field. Do you think it would be a wise move? I'll be waiting to hear from you soon.
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.
If studying biotechnology has the same purpose as studying medicine, or is beneficial for the field of medicine in general, then studying it is desirable in principle as Allaah has praised those who endeavour to save people's lives from destruction, Allaah says (which means): {…and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind.}[Quran 5: 32]. Moreover, the Prophet 
said: "Indeed Allaah has not sent down any illness without sending a cure for it." The Prophet further said: "There is a cure for every disease." So if the medicine coincides with the disease, the person will be cured with the permission of Allaah. It is confirmed that the Prophet and his companions 
used to seek treatment.
So, all these texts, dear sister, prove the importance of medicine in our religion. Also, in our religion there is no discrimination between men and women in seeking knowledge, however, since the woman has some characteristics which are peculiar to her, Allaah distinguished her with some rules that suit her being a female. For instance she cannot travel except with her Mahram (non marriageable relative) or husband, and she should not mix with men, or stay with them on her own, or speak to them in an attractive way, or expose her beauty to them, and she is not allowed to do other things that would lead to tempting men.
Therefore, if you are able to meet all the above requirements, then you have indeed done well by choosing the speciality that you have mentioned. However, if you cannot meet the above requirements, it is better for you to choose another speciality that would suit you.
Allaah knows best.
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