How Should a Woman Keep Contact with a Shaikh?
Condition:
You mentioned that a person cannot reform himself without a spiritual guide, and that the nafs cannot be overpowered until one is not under the supervision of a shaikh. What is the ruling for a woman, because it is not possible for her to remain in the company of a pious person or a shaikh?
Answer:
The shaikh is also a non-mahram for a woman. A woman is not
required to remain in the company of a shaikh.
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) observed purdah with the Sahaabiyyaat (radhiyallahu ‘anhunna). It is only a fake shaikh and person with worldly motives who will keep women in his company.
Women may listen – from behind a curtain – to the talks of a shaikh who follows the sunnah and the sharee‘ah. They may read his books and listen to his cassettes (recordings). They may correspond with the shaikh for the purpose of reformation, provided their letters are signed by a mahram. In this way, a woman can become the beloved of Allah Ta‘ala.
(Solutions to Spiritual Maladies for the Lovers of Allah Ta‘ala, pg. 484)
