Assalam Alaikum My question is regarding a islamic organization run by muslim youths in a non-muslim country. This organization arrange islamic lectures by inviting people with knowledge of Islam and try to bring people to the mosque for salah since this organization is located in a university. In this organization their is both male and female. The work of arranging the lectures and other islamic activites requires meetings where all the members (8-12) of the board meets and discuss. Is this kind of meetings which requires communication with the opposite sex going against islamic values even if this is done with the intension of bringing people closer to Allah swt? Their is no "pardah" and usually this meetings is in a closed classroom. Most of the girls cover their hair, but dont follow all the hijab criteria. Another question is regarding if its allowed for a female to become a leader of such a organization? If not, then why? How important is leadership skills versus islamic knowledge and practise in a leader? Would it be better if this organization was only run by females or males? JazakAllah.

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

Working together to achieve what is good and cooperating to call people to Allaah are encouraged in the Sharee'ah; however, it is an obligation that this matter meets the Islamic conditions so that its objective would be achieved and its fruits would be reaped.

There is no doubt that forbidden mixing between men and women is a reason for much corruption and it leads to the opposite of the objectives that are intended by calling people to Allaah like soul purification and increasing one’s faith.

Forbidden mixing is the mixing in which there is no distinction between men and women, so if the meetings of this organization are of this kind, then this is evil and you should wisely advise them in this regard in a good and soft manner. However, if there is a distinction between men and women and they are far from the reasons of temptation, then such meetings are lawful. It is not a condition that there should be a curtain [or something to separate] between them, but if there is any, then it is better.

Also, in our view, it is better in any case that the work of the women in this organization be separate from the work of men, and this is better in order to be on the safe side in these days where the means of temptation are so many. This is also in order that people would not suspect the religious people and the people who call to good.

As regards this organization being led by a woman who is competent in running its affairs, then this is permissible, Allaah willing, and we have already published Fataawa 90860 and 89181 clarifying this matter, but it is better if such an organization is run by men.

Moreover, it is very important that the person who takes up the leadership in any field should have components of leadership like being wise in a way that he should be firm in the circumstances that require firmness, and he should be lenient in the circumstances that require lenience. Also, he should consult his subordinates and be humble to them in addition to other characteristics.

Also, one should have knowledge about his mission or consult the people who have knowledge about it. If, on top of this, he is righteous and steadfast on the religion of Allaah, then this is perfection. However, if the leader or the guide, especially in the field of Da’wah, lacks righteousness and acting according to his knowledge, then he will lack the spirit and his Da’wah will became meaningless, and so, it is obvious that his Da’wah would not find someone to listen to it.

Allaah Knows best.