Gender Segregation

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It has been observed by many during Hajj that there is much contact between men and women who are literally pressed to each other in the crowded situations right in front of the Ka’ba. Why doesn’t Makkah have segregation between males and females?

Amina Inloes, Amina Inloes is originally from the US and has a PhD in Islamic Studies from the University of Exeter on Shi'a hadith. She is the program leader for the MA Islamic Studies program at the... Answer updated 1 year ago

The main reason is that it was not mandated by the Prophet; in fact, he prayed with his wife and daughter there.

Also, (a) because to do tawaf you have to go all the way around the Ka'bah, and that is difficult to do with segregation, similarly it might be challenging to arrange gender segregation for sa'i between Safa and Marwah, and (b) perhaps it could cause hardship for people travelling together.

While it is true that there are some people with sick minds who misuse the arrangement there, by and large, I think most Muslims behave themselves properly there and respect the sanctity of the place, and the rules of ihraam (forbidding certain things between genders) also provide extra incentive to behave correctly, even if they may run into each other by accident.

That being said, wearing an extra outer garment can help provide more personal space without inconveniencing others.

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Woman . Man . Gender Segregation

Why should women have to chart out their entire lives and restrict themselves from so many things to prevent accidentally attracting other men when it is not their fault how God made their bodies and how men get attracted to them?

Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi, Sayyed Mohammad al-Musawi is originally from Iraq and heads up the World Ahlul Bayt Islamic League in London. Other than being involved in various humanitarian projects, he frequently responds to... Answer updated 1 year ago

Woman is granted the high human dignity just like man or even more if her piousness is more than him. There is no question of restriction which disturb her life, but discipline which keeps her safe and respected and keeps the man safe and pious. The Islamic life aims to keep the female as respected and honored as the noble man.

Wassalam.

57984

Lust . Gender Segregation

Is glancing at any non-Hijabi girl without lust allowed in Islam?

Glancing at other gender usually has a reason. If it involves lust, it will be definitely Haraam ( forbidden).

If glancing is for other reason which is completely away from desire, it should be avoided as much as possible.

Wassalam.

58183

Football . Gender Segregation

Are women not allowed to attend sporting events, such as men's football matches? If so, what is the reasoning for such a rule?

All rules in Islam are based on the benefit of human beings and avoiding them any type of harm.
Watching opposite gender should not be a cause of harm under any circumstance.
Men playing football or women playing any sport are been done with dress which is not necessarily according to Hijab rules, that is why watching opposite gender playing should be avoided especially when there is a possibility of harm. If all conditions of Hijab are fulfilled and there is no possibility of any harm, then it will be allowed.

Wassalam.

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Woman . Hijab . Man . Mosque . Gender Segregation

Why do our mosques and centres segregate women and men, even though the attendees observe hijab?

Zaid Alsalami, Shaykh Dr Zaid Alsalami is an Iraqi born scholar, raised in Australia. He obtained a BA from Al-Mustafa University, Qom, and an MA from the Islamic College in London. He also obtained a PhD from... Answer updated 2 years ago

Bismihi ta'ala

The main purpose for attending places of worship is to worship, and not to mingle and mix with people of the other gender. This means that we need to keep the atmosphere in mosques and Islamic centres as spiritual as possible. With mixing between genders, this might lead to unwanted outcomes that would go against the ultimate purpose of places of worship.

It is also a matter of convenience for both genders.

This in no way does it mean that females are to be left out of any active participation in programs, or for them to feel marginalised. Rather the opposite. In most places of worship, our sisters are actively contributing to various religious and social programs. However, we know as Muslims that we do not accept "free mixing," and therefore we must preserve the moral and spiritual purity of our environment.

There are times when women must be on one side, and men on the other, and there are times when brothers and sisters can be together, keeping it within the shar'i boundaries of Islam.

And Allah knows best.

Woman . Hijab . Man . Mosque . Gender Segregation

Why do our mosques and centres segregate women and men, even though the attendees observe hijab?

Even with Hijab, it is more respectful for females to avoid mixing with men unless there is a need. Islam focuses on all measures which keep the modesty and respect of the females.

Wassalam

Mohammad Al-Musawi