Question regarding mixing at Muslim Student Associations.

Question

Salaam to all. My question is regarding the fact that although MSAs(Muslim Student Associations) on college campuses, are supposed to be Islamic organizations, is the itneraction that occurs between male and female members of hte organizations halaal or haraam? I mean for example, every week both genders are brought together in a room and even though they are separated, girls in back, guys in front, the head of the MSA who is directing the meeting can see the Muslimah in back, and the sisters often raise their hands and voice opinions and ask questions, which causes for their voices to be heard by the men, even though a woman's voice is considered by many to be awra. And during other MSA functions, like food sales and lectures, the guys and girls work in close proximity arranging chairs and tables and setting things up, and my question is, how can this be Islamic when during hte time of hte Prophet(pbuh) women were never called to Shura (council) meetings, or helped to set up the masjid or other grounds to entertain emissaries from kings or the like that came to visit the prophet(pbuh). Or am I mistaken, and hte women during hte time of the Prophet(pbuh) did attend Shura meetings with men present, and did participate in activities requiring their close interaction with men? Please answer soon, Jazakullahu Khair, wa'salaam.

Mufti Ebrahim Desai · Accepted Answer

It is rather unfortunate that sin and evil has become so rife nowadays that people don't even regard sin as sin anymore and how true are the words of our beloved Rasul (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam), 'A time will dawn upon man that Zina (adultery) will become so widespread that the most pious man in this world will be that person who witnesses two people doing evil on the street pavement. This person would go up to them and say to them that go and do your action behind a tree, he will not stop them from the evil rather he would tell them that instead of doing it in front of everybody, go and do your actions behind a tree. The person who tells them this will be the most pious person. Today, we are presently experiencing the above adultery is being done openly, everywhere without any prohibition or obstruction.' (Islahi Khutubaat, Mufti Taqi Usmani vol.7 pg.32)

In an Aayat of the noble Qur'aan, Allah Ta'ala commands the believers, 'Say (O' Muhammad) unto the believers lower your gazes and protect your private parts. That is more pure for you. Verily, Allah is all informed of what you are doing.' (Surah Nur). Evil glances is to look at any Ghayr Mahram especially with desire or to attain pleasure whether the person is alive or it is a picture. Both situations are totally Haraam. The greatest hindrance for the reformation and purification of the innerself is the sin of evil glances. Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) explained in a Hadith, 'Evil glances is a poisonous arrow from the arrows of Iblees.' (Majmauz Zawaaid vol.8 pg.63)

In another Hadith, Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) mentioned, '. The Zina of the eyes is in evil glances and Zina of the ears is by listening (to evil) and Zina of the tongue speaking (about evil) and Zina of the hands is in touching (forbidden) and Zina of feet is in walking (towards evil) and the heart desires and hopes (in evil) and thereafter the private parts accepts that (acts upon it) or rejects it.' (Mishkaat pg.20)

Therefore, according to Shari'ah, to look, speak, listen, etc. to any Ghayr Mahram except at the time of extreme necessity is Haraam and impermissible. In an Aayat of the noble Qur'aan, Allah Ta'ala says, 'And when you ask (his wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen. That is purer for your hearts and their hearts.' Although the reason for revelation is a specific incident and the wives of Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) are specifically mentioned but this is general for the entire Ummah, i.e. if the woman wants to get something from the men, e.g. utensils, clothing, etc. thus, she not come in front of him, rather ask for it from behind a veil. (Ma'aariful Qur'aan vol.7 pg.200; Idaaratul Ma'aarif)

In another Aayat, Allah Ta'ala says, 'And stay in your homes and do not display yourselves, like that at the time of ignorance.' (Surah Ahzaab 33 vol.33). Therefore, the command unto women is to stay at home and only come out at the time of a necessity which is sanctioned by the Shari'ah, should a need arise, total Shar'ee Hijaab should be adhered to.

By a person fighting his Nafs and saving himself from sinning, he will attain the sweetness of Imaan. Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'A thought comes into a person to cast evil glances and who is that person who doesn't get these thoughts and his heart is also encouraging him to just take a look! But he fears Allah and saves himself by not casting an evil glance. This will cause a great burden but Allah Ta'ala will grant such sweetness of Imaan that he won't even consider looking in future.' (Ahmad vol.5 pg.264)

It is, therefore, imperative that awareness should be created amongst the Muslim students to both male and female regarding the importance and laws of Shari'ah especially with regards to Hijaab and intermingling of the sexes. The administration of MSA should be encouraged to adhere to the laws of Shari'ah, contextually, the laws of Hijaab.

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai

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