Question:
What is the ruling on female students standing up out of respect for the teacher?
Answer:
It is inappropriate for students to stand up out of respect for the ustani (female teacher) or ustadh (male teacher). At the very least, it is strongly disliked.
Hazrat Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, said:
لم يكن أحد أحب إليهم يعنى الصحابة من رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، ولم يكونوا يقومون له إذا دخل عليهم، لما يعلمون من كراهته لذلك
“The Companions of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, were beloved to him more than anyone else, yet they did not stand up when the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, entered because they knew that he disliked it.”
Regarding this, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, himself said:
من أحب أن يتمثل له الرجال قياما فليتبوأ مقعده من النار
“Whoever likes people to stand up for him, let him prepare his place in Hell.”
The ruling for women is the same as for men in this matter. May Allah grant us all the ability to avoid actions that are disliked and forbidden by Him, and bless us all with knowledge and practice. (Ameen)
