Studying in co-educational institution

Q: I am a student in the Faculty of Pharmacy, Annaba University, Algeria. In this faculty, Tabarruj (woman’s public display of her adornment or charms) and permissiveness have reached an extreme, and it is as if we are living in a European or an American society. Because our Islamic law orders us to protect our own faith, I suffer a lot from this disgraceful Tabarruj, as humans are weak by nature and can be affected by such sights. Additionally, I became bored of studying in this faculty and I wanted to leave to join the faculty of Shari`ah (Islamic law) in Constantine to study the sciences of Shari`ah, but my parents are opposed to the idea of abandoning the Faculty of Pharmacy. Please tell me what I should do (may Allah safeguard you); shall I leave this faculty? I was about to leave it before writing to you, but I feared that I might commit something that is more dangerous, which is undutifulness to my parents. Please tell me what to do because I am very worried and confused.

A: We advise you to join the faculty of Shari`ah in order to learn all that is related to your (Part No. 11; Page No. 13) faith and to abandon everything that is evil, because if someone leaves something for the sake of Allah, Allah recompenses them with something that is better. You should not obey your parents concerning co-education, because there is no obedience to someone in what displeases Allah. We also advise you to be dutiful to your parents and to talk to them in a delicate, gentle manner. May Allah help you to do all that is good, and guide you and your parents to all that is pleasing to Him.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.