Fatwa ID: 07516

 

 

Answered by Maulana Sarfraz Mohammad

 

Question

 

What is the correct definition of a mixed gathering? Does merely men and women present at one place and seeing each other make it a mixed gathering or when they are talking and interacting with each other constitutes a mixed gathering?

 

PLEASE clarify the exact definition of it and please help me to know whether going to these places is allowed:

 

1) shopping malls with necessity and without necessity,

 

2) restaurants,

 

3)parks,

 

4) any tourist place for recreation.

 

Please Mufti Saheb help me to know the correct ruling of it or if there is any relaxation of it as I have read somewhere that it is totally haram to go in mixed gathering without any extreme severe needs. (As none of the above places has segregation for men and women).

 

 

 

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

 

 

Answer:

 

Definition of Mixed Gathering (Ikhtilat):

 

A mixed gathering (Ikhtilat) in Islamic terms usually refers to an environment where men and women are present together in a way that could lead to unnecessary or inappropriate interaction, free mixing, or behaviour that contradicts the principles of modesty (haya). Merely being in the same place, like a shopping mall or a park, does not necessarily constitute a mixed gathering in the haram sense, as long as men and women maintain proper behaviour, avoid unnecessary interaction, and observe hijab and other limits of modesty.

 

However, if the gathering involves casual conversations, unnecessary interaction, flirtatious behaviour or lack of proper modesty or dress code, then it may fall under the impermissible type of mixing. The aim in Islam is to prevent situations that could lead to fitnah (temptation or sinful behaviour).

 

It is permissible to visit the places you mentioned with necessity (e.g., buying essentials) provided modesty is maintained and there is no unnecessary interaction. Without necessity; It’s better to avoid spending too much time in such environments without a valid reason, especially if it may lead to unnecessary distractions or temptations.

 

Is Everything Haram?

 

Islam does not prohibit you from living life, enjoying recreation, or fulfilling your needs. What it emphasises is intent and behaviour. If you follow guidelines of modesty, avoid fitnah, and keep your interaction limited and respectful, you can still engage with the world. Rather than thinking everything is haram, try to focus on fulfilling your deen in the best way possible in each situation, without overwhelming yourself.

 

 

Most of what Allah ta`ala had created on earth is Halaal (permissible). Says Allah in the Holy Quraan

 

And He has subjected for you whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth – all from Him. Indeed, there are signs for people who give thought.

(al-jaathyah)

 

 

Things that are harmful and impure are made forbidden by Allah ta`ala.

 

 

Only Allah تعالي Knows Best.

Answered by Maulana Sarfraz Mohammad

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham

 

 

 

 

References:

 

وَلاَ تَبَرَّجْنَ تَبَرُّجَ الْجَاہِلِیَّۃِ الْأُوْلیٰ  [الأحزاب :33

 

” إلا من أجنبیة فلایحلّ مسّ وجهها وکفها وإن أمن الشهوة؛ لأنه أغلظ … وفي الأشباه: الخلوة بالأجنبیة حرام … ثم رأیت في منیة المفتي مانصه: الخلوة بالأجنبیة مکروهة وإن کانت معها أخریٰ کراهة تحریم .”

 

(فصل في النظر والمس: ص367، ج 6، ط: سعید)

 

سورة النور: 

   قُلْ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ يَغُضُّوْا مِنْ اَبْصَارِهِمْ وَيَحْفَظُوْا فُرُوْجَهُمْﵧ ذٰلِكَ اَزْكٰي لَهُمْﵧ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ خَبِيْرٌۣ بِمَا يَصْنَعُوْنَ. وَقُلْ لِّلْمُؤْمِنٰتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ اَبْصَارِهِنَّ وَيَحْفَظْنَ فُرُوْجَهُنَّ وَلَا يُبْدِيْنَ زِيْنَتَهُنَّ اِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا وَلْيَضْرِبْنَ بِخُمُرِهِنَّ عَلٰي جُيُوْبِهِنَّ.(۲۴: ۳۰-  ۳۱)

 

﴿وَسَخَّرَ لَكُم مَّا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ جَمِيعًا مِّنْهُ ۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ﴾

[ الجاثية: 13]

 

                                                                                  ( الدر المختار وحاشية ابن عابدين (رد المحتار)                                                                         

 مطلب المختار أن الأصل في الأشياء الإباحة: أقول: وصرح في التحرير بأن المختار أن الأصل الإباحة عند الجمهور من الحنفية والشافعية اهـ وتبعه تلميذه العلامة قاسم، وجرى عليه في الهداية من فصل الحداد، وفي الخانية من أوائل الحظر والإباحة