Most-asked question

Is free mixing between men and women permissible?

44 fatawa in the archive answer questions on this, from 5 South African Darul Iftas (AskImam, Mufti Online, Azaadville, Ibn Masood, Jamiat KZN). Below, each Darul Ifta’s answer is quoted word for word from the opening of one of its fatawa.

Based on the fatawa linked below. Please read the sources and double-check with a Darul Ifta for your situation.

Consult a mufti for your situation. Fatawa SA is a read-only archive and issues no rulings of its own.

What the Darul Iftas say

“No, it is absolutely not permissible for a girl to study in a mixed environment. She will be in perpetual sin because the Quraan explicitly commands a woman to remain within the confines of her home.”

Ibn Masood — Females Studying In Mixed Environments · 3 Mar 2026

“No. All mixed gatherings are impermissible. However, situations that are totally unavoidable where you have to go to fetch your necessities then you will go to these places and fetch your necessities though the gatherings may be mixed.”

Mufti Online — Attending mixed gatherings and universities · 15 Oct 2015

“This is just a loophole for some scholars to legitimize lecturing at mixed gatherings. Many a times the function or programme is arranged by the very scholars yet they state that there exists the fear of a deviant sect taking the platform. This is merely their flimsy excuses which are used to pacify and appease the Nafs.”

Azaadville — Addressing A Mixed Gathering Due To A Fear That A Deviant Sect Might Take The Platform · 11 May 2024

“It is not permissible to go to any place (gym, boxing classes etc) where there is free intermingling of men and women.”

AskImam — Mixed gym classes · 19 Oct 2017

Quotes are the opening words of each answer as published; the full answer, its conditions and references are on the fatwa page. Answers depend on the exact details of each question.

Read the fatawa

  1. Females Studying In Mixed Environments Ibn Masood · 3 Mar 2026
  2. Addressing A Mixed Gathering Due To A Fear That A Deviant Sect Might Take The Platform Azaadville · 11 May 2024
  3. Invited to a mixed gathering - Should i go? AskImam · 22 Oct 2023
  4. Attending a mixed gathering Mufti Online · 6 Feb 2023
  5. Mixed gym classes Jamiat KZN · 19 Oct 2017
  6. Attending Mixed Gatherings Ibn Masood · 2 Oct 2025
  7. A Woman Attending A Mixed School Meeting Azaadville · 6 Nov 2021
  8. Should I attend an Eid party with a mixed gathering in order to please my husband? AskImam · 23 May 2020
  9. Free mixing with non-mahrams Mufti Online · 29 Jan 2022
  10. Women attending a mixed gym Ibn Masood · 22 Apr 2024
  11. Addressing Mixed Gatherings Azaadville · 10 May 2024
  12. Is it permissible to attend a wedding of a close relative if it is a mixed gathering? AskImam · 4 Mar 2020
  13. Attending a wedding with a mixed gathering Mufti Online · 17 Sep 2017
  14. Attending mixed gatherings and universities Mufti Online · 15 Oct 2015
  15. Mixed gym classes AskImam · 19 Oct 2017

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