What is the response to those who say that free mixing of men and women existed in the time of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him)?

The questioner:
May Allah reward you, Your Eminence, father. The questioner asks: What is your response to those who say that free mixing of men and women existed in the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)?

The Shaykh:
Free mixing of men and women.

The presenter:
Yes, may Allah reward you.

The Shaykh:
Free mixing that involves trial, temptation, or discord did not exist in the time of this Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). It was not present. Rather, the Messenger would separate the women in prayer, placing them behind the men. He would separate them and place them behind the men, and they had their own rows and a specific place where they did not mix with the men. So this is a lie against the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him).
As for free mixing in the street, meaning that there are women and men in the street, not crowded together and not touching each other’s bodies, with this one walking on one side and that one walking on the other side, this is a natural custom. What is intended by free mixing is that which incites trial, temptation, or discord and incites desire. That is what is forbidden. Yes, and this was not known in the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Rather, it was prohibited. Yes.