A Woman Taking Disciples

Question

Question: A great dispute over this issue is going on in a gathering of women. One party says that being a spiritual guide/taking disciples is permissible for both men and women. Another party says it is valid only for men. A third party says that spiritual guidance and discipleship is not valid either for women or for men. What is the ruling of the Sacred Law in this matter?

Answer

The need for reforming the ego (nafs) exists for men and for women alike. It is for this very purpose that one needs to become a disciple. But reforming others and instructing them in dhikr and spiritual practice by taking them as disciples is a matter reserved for men. A woman may give advice on ordinary matters, but she cannot take disciples.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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