Question:
“Is it allowed for our MSA board to meet even though we have different genders on our board?”
The Answer:
All praise is due to Allah [alone]. May His prayers and blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad, His family, companions and those who follow him.
The scholars stated that If a gathering between the sexes follows Islamic guidelines, then such a gathering, God willing, is permissible because Islamic law does not forbid general gatherings between males and females. The only thing that is explicitly forbidden is being alone with [a person eligible for marriage] where both are together, alone, in a place which no one could see them; not aware of what they are doing.
When a gathering occurs in which both parties are not alone, then what is forbidden is for either party to be dressed in a way that is not sanctioned by Islam; by showing any part of their body which is forbidden to expose, or acting in ways which are considered against Islamic standards.
Sh. Faisal al-Mawlawi writes:
“From here it becomes clear that the times in which such gatherings are forbidden are:
1. When both parties are alone together.
2. The absence of observing Islamic guidelines regarding dress and behavior.
Finally, in every situation the reason for such gatherings must be recognized by Islamic law. Such a reason could be obligatory in nature, recommended or permissible.”
The Ruling
There is no doubt that gatherings to discuss the affairs of the MSA are from the recommended affairs. Thus, God willing, there is nothing wrong with such gatherings if they meet the conditions above.
Allah knows best.
Suhaib
www.virtualmosque.com
Jazakallah khair for this. What about having purdah or a board between brothers and sisters so we can avoid fitnah?
Very strange- Perhaps thats why they say women cant be poets- becausee they have access to different kinds of
emotions… Women – the love of my life…
Asalamu alaykum,
Muhammad:
I think such a decision should be made by the female congregates.
SDW
“Izzah (Passion)” Spoken word Poetry by River Redclay for Publish-
The Egytpian poet once wrote “Make your Izza (passion, glory, dignity, respect) for Allah
and know that it will last forever- But if you put your Izzah in something that dies, know
that it will die one day- Egyptian Poet…
I put my desire in her- She was like an
Argentinian anserina wild flower in a red Hijab-
My soul clinged to her with a passion of content-
Every minute waiting for her- I knew she was not for
me – for I saw it in a dream within a dream – the wolf
lady, she was- taking my soul , I led myself on like a runaway train bleeding steel till dawn
– I felt like the court jesture- juggling to impress her- please marry me, please marry me sister-
No ! No ! and third time No! like a kid in a candy store- I could control my soul no more-
Every corner, every memory, every thought of her leaving me in a painful anxiety… I
surrendered my soul to her and not to God -Imprisoned by my own hands – I realized
that I forgot to trust Allah and instead relied on my passion…
She spat in my face and I took the road of disgrace- Embarrassed in the community – I was
excommunicated by them with a voice in unity- She was so clear as day- Yet I pushed her passed
her limits- Falling in love with the idea- The clowns inside of me have retired and
embarrased…seems like i lost my soul to passion… she said she couldnt stay…
i felt the other way… “I dont want to hear you, see you or speak to you she said…
Man what a fool I was- and finally surrendering to the will of Allah… let it go… let it go
surrender your passion and find your Izza with your Lord…
A message to all Brothers out there- Man When a Sister says no- respect her desicion and
just let it go man other wise youll destroy yourself and your repuation – And Trust that
Allah will replace what you lost man with something that is better for you bro. This life
is too short to let your passion take your soul. Don’t look for validation from others
especially a sister that you may respect and feel that she will fullfil your life. She cant
and you must become conmortable with yourself first.
Peace –
“Asalamu alaykum,
Muhammad:
I think such a decision should be made by the female congregates.
SDW”
JazakAllah khayr for saying this, ya Shaykh. A lot of times sister might not want a physical barrier because it will hinder their contribution to the meeting, while other times it may be desired because of existing fitnah within the group. BarakAllah feek Shaykh Suhaib.
Reallyy cool stuff river..thnx for that:)
Assalamualakum,
Can you please define acceptable Islamic standards? For example are things like joking or laughing allowed?
River, that was some good piece of writing mashaAllah.
Nadeem, check this out: Gender Interactions on Campus. Hopefully that will answer your question.
Assalamu alaikum
Please can i ask what people think about getting to know a brother/sister for marriage over the internet?
has anybosy tried this- was it successful, or a nightmare? did you find that the person was honest in what they said.
this topic came up when i had guests recently, as some of the girls were saying that they are struggling to find someone in the local community so they are now using muslim matrimonial websites?
my friend who goes on it regularly was telling me about it and to be honest it didn’t sound too good. you log on, check out peoples profiles and pictures, then you can contact them an e-mail to get to know them (a person could be e-mailing a number of different people at the same time), then if you don’t think they are suitable, you just stop e-mailing. they don’t have to tell their parents until they decide that they may be compatible.
is it islamic for a woman to access these sites without the knowledge of her parents?
is it a method that scholars have allowed? what should people do if they are stuggling to get married and there is little or no help from the community.
i thought the discussion we had around this was interesting but also, its important to get the trues islamic opinion on what is closer to the deen
may Allah help all those who are not married in seeking a suitable partner who will be good for their dunya and akhira
jazakum Allahu khayr
fi amanillah
I want to know, if someone knows the answer to this: I have spoken several times with a shaykh at a mosque, about some problems I have been having. We were in his office, is this considered alone?
Assalamu alaykum Iman,
The hadith of the prophet (sw) is:
In Muslim and Abu Daoud, it is narrated that the Messenger Muhammad (saw) said: “Whenever a man and a women are alone shaytan is with them.”
The meaning of the word used in this hadith for “alone” (khalwa) is: “Being alone in a situation where harm can transpire.”
“Harm can transpire” means that you are in a situation where no one can see you guys and no one has access to you.
And Allah knows best.