May the peace, mercy and blessing of Allah be upon you.

I am a female engineer, I am married and I have a son. We currently live in Japan and I would like to continue my studies to get a masters degree and a doctorate. What is the opinion of Islamic law on that?

May Allah reward you well.

In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Grantor of Mercy

All praise belongs to Allah, and may prayers and peace be upon Allah’s final Messenger.

If you are with your husband and son in Japan and you take care to follow your religion, there is nothing wrong with continuing your studies. If you are alone, however, without your husband or have become remiss in some of your religious duties for the sake of your studies, like praying within the prescribed time period, covering properly (hijab), or avoiding seclusion with non-mahram men, etc., I do not see any option for you other than to return to your country (to study). Remember the saying of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah exalt his mention and grant him peace), "Whoever leaves something for the sake of Allah, Allah will replace it with something better than it."

"Any break might be fixed by Allah But there is no mending a broken religion."

And Allah Almighty knows best.

Related fatawa: 2295, 77708, 77791