There is a new group which has come recently to my city and claim that they are addressing common misconceptions about Islam by Muslims themselves. These are a few of their teachings:- looking at a woman in her eye while addressing her is a cultural thing and has nothing to do with Islam.- women are highly encouraged to work (even outside homes, i.e. offices, etc.). - the public is Mahram for a woman.- women only need husband's permission to go out only if the travel or period of absence is more than 3 days.-the voice of a woman is not Awrah.- males are allowed to attend and listen to Qur'an recitation competitions involving women.- the seating arrangements which seek to segregate man and women is a cultural thing.- Islam does not preach strict segregation of the sexes (they used Hajj as an example).- women are allowed to give Adhan (without any specifications). However there would be grave consequences and that is why they don't do so.- Sahabah used to sit in a big room with man facing women (more of a mixed seating but women with women and man with man, however in an open manner).- if they sat together(man and woman), every woman sat with her Mahram in a big circle. Please tell me if these things are right as I have had a different upbringing (different teachings). If they are, give me a few evidence and if they aren't, again give me some evidences.

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

Men should not look at non-Mahram women nor should women look at non-Mahram men as this is forbidden by the clear texts of the Quran and Hadeeth. Allah Says (what means): {Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do. And tell the believing women to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts...} [Quran 24: 30-31]

Moreover, Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet said: “The son of Aadam will have his share of Zina no matter how well he/she endeavors to avoid it. The Zina of the eyes is by gazing...” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

The Prophet said to ‘Ali : “O ‘Ali! Do not follow an unintentional look (at non-Mahram women) with another look. The first glance is in your favor (pardonable) whereas the second glance is not for you (i.e. it is a sin).” [At-Tirmithi who classified it as Hasan] There are many Ahadeeth proving this ruling.

So, whoever claims that lowering the gaze from looking at non-Mahram women is merely a cultural matter and not a religious act should recheck his religion, Islam.

2) Working is permissible for women as long as the following conditions are met:

a) When the Muslim community needs her services such as a lady doctor, lady teacher, etc.

b) Working in a non-mixed environment.

c) Observing the rulings of the Sharee’ah as for as the matter of Hijaab is concerned.

Yet, it is more suitable for her to stay in her home taking care of her children, who are the future generation; this is indeed best for her and for the community as well.
Allah Says (what means): {And abide in your houses and do not display yourselves as [was] the display of the former times of ignorance…} [Quran 33: 33]

3) Jurists have different opinions concerning the matter of the presence of a woman among a great number of men, whether or not it is permissible. The preponderant opinion is that it is permissible provided there is no temptation; otherwise, it is forbidden as agreed by all jurists.

However, the traveling of a woman in public without being accompanied by a Mahram is not permitted unless there is a dire necessity. Some jurists permitted her only to travel to perform the obligatory ‘Umrah and Hajj with the company of a trustworthy group of women.

4) Going out without having the husband's permission is not permissible; let alone traveling, which is strictly forbidden with a greater reason.

5) Is the voice of a woman an ‘Awrah (must be covered) or not? This is a matter of difference of opinion among the scholars. The preponderant opinion is that it is not an ‘Awrah unless there is a reason for temptation.

6) There is no harm if a man attends the Quran recitation competition of women provided the women are in complete Hijaab fulfilling the rulings of the Sharee’ah and provided he is certain not to be tempted on hearing their recitation.

However, it is better that only women attend in such competition in order to block the ways that could lead to evil.

7) Islam urges that there be separate places for men and women at gatherings since mixing of both sexes leads to many evil and shameful acts. There are many pieces of evidence proving this fact.

Allah Says (what means): {And abide in your houses…} [Quran 33: 33]

The Prophet said: “The best rows for men are the first rows, and the worst ones are the last ones, and the best rows for women are the last ones and the worst ones for them are the first ones.”

This is because the first row of women is closer to the men's rows and the last row is farther from them.

The Prophet used to order men to delay in leaving the mosque till the women left. This rule was only to prevent them from mixing with women. If it is undesirable for men and women to be close at the time of worshipping Allah, remembering Him, how much more so will it be in a place full of doubts and temptations. The Prophet said to Umm Salamah: “Perform the Tawaaf while riding from behind the people.” [Al-Bukhari]

Ibn Hajar highlighted the reason and said: “The Prophet ordered her to make Tawaaf from behind the people since it would provide more cover for her from being seen by men.”

In short, we mentioned but a few pieces of evidence here; otherwise, the evidence is too much to be covered in this Fatwa.

8) Taking Hajj as an example for the permissibility of mixing between men and women is totally baseless. Is it correct to say that wine is permissible since some Muslims drink it? It is not sound to take the example of Hajj to allow the mixing of both sexes since a mistake can never be an excuse for committing another mistake.

9) Women can call the Athaan [when they are alone or with their Mahrams only] but without raising their voice. Iman ash-Shaafi'i said: “Calling the Athaan and Iqaamah is permitted for women but it is better not to raise their voice.” The reason is that her voice may cause temptation to others.

10) As for their claim that the companions of the Prophet used to sit in a big room facing women … we ask them to produce the evidence for this claim. This claim is full of ambiguity and is beyond the reality.

No doubt, some companions of the Prophet used to visit other companions and sometimes some of them visit some women for some legal purpose but it was totally free from being alone with them, the women are not unveiled and they are free from any kind of suspicion, which is common now.

In short, their claims consist of what is true and what is not. It is apparent that they are keen to encourage men to mix with the opposite sex and socialize with non-Mahram women. Indeed, this practice will open many doors to temptation. Therefore, it is better for men to avoid being seen by women and it is better too for women to be far from the eyes of men as reported from ‘Aa’ishah .

We ask Allah to make us steadfast on the right path.

Allah knows best.