No to intermixing between men and women [3]

(Part No. 4; Page No. 245)

  The prohibition of the call to free mixing between men and women

I have read what Mr Sa`d Al-Bawardy wrote in Al-Jazirah Magazine, issue no (3754), dated 15/4/1403 A.H. proposing mixing girls and boys in schools during the primary stage. I would like to call attention to this issue due to the adverse results that may arise from it.In fact, mixing males and females leads to great harm and immeasurable corruption, and it is impermissible.The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, Command your children to perform Salah (Prayer) when they are seven years old, and beat them for (not offering) it when they are ten and do not let them sleep together (i.e. at the age of ten)." [1] The Prophet ordered not to allow girls and boys to sleep together, for their closeness in bed at this age may lead to forbidden sexual acts which are a natural result of mixing the opposite sexes at the same place. Moreover, coeducation in the primary stage paves the way for continuing it in the upper levels.Co-education in the primary stage is an abominable act and accordingly it is impermissible. It results in bad consequences taking into consideration that the Perfect Shari`ah (Islamic law) of Allah stresses the necessity of blocking the means to Shirk (associating others with Allah) and evil deeds. Many Ayahs of the Qur'an and Hadiths of the Sunnah indicate this truth. For the sake of brevity, I will not mention them.However, the great scholar, Ibn Al-Qayyim (may Allah confer mercy upon him) mentioned in his book entitled ''I`lam Al-Muwaqqi`in'' ninety nine proofs for them.I recommend that Mr. Sa`d and others do not propose such plans that open door to harms that are already locked. We pray Allah to grant success and guidance to all.A wise person should learn from what has happened in neighboring countries and other countries where great corruption

(Part No. 4; Page No. 246)

 has resulted from the intermixing of men and women. As for that the suitor needs to know his fiancée, the Prophet (peace be upon him) clarified this well in his statement, When one of you proposes marriage to a woman, if he is able to look at what will induce him to marry her, he should do so. [2] So, it is permissible for the suitor to look at the woman he wishes to marry before concluding the marriage contract and without being alone with her if possible, and if not he should choose a trusted woman to sit with her on his behalf and describe her appearance and manners. This was the custom of Muslims in the past centuries concerning selecting a bride. This custom was very beneficial whereas odd cases do not make a rule. I ask Allah to guide all Muslims to what is good for them and brings happiness to them in this worldly life and in the Hereafter and to preserve their faith. I invoke Allah to block the ways of evil and protect Muslims from the conspiracies of the enemies of Islam. Indeed, He is the Most Generous. May Allah's Peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his household and Companions. Chairman of the Departments of Scholarly Research,

Ifta', Da`wah, and Guidance

`Abdul-`Aziz ibn Baz