The Ruling on a Woman Mixing with Her Husband’s Relatives

Question:
Mixing is forbidden by the Shari'ah. It is a custom for men and women to mix in houses, especially the mixing of a brother’s wife with her brother, and cousins in houses, especially if they are in the same residence. What is the ruling of the Shari'ah in this?

Answer:
Mixing is of two types. One type involves the exposure of the 'awrah (part of the body that must be covered) and the lack of covering, and the display of beauty; this is prohibited in markets and in houses. The other type is pure and noble mixing, such as when a woman goes to the market for her need among men, covered, to fulfill her need and then leave, or when she goes to the mosque covered. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Do not prevent the messenger of Allah,” and there is no harm in this, provided this condition is met, even though she is with men in the mosque, in the rear rows, with the men in front of her. Mixing that is accompanied by purity, hijab (the covering prescribed for women), modesty, and distance from fitnah (trial, discord or temptation) is permissible. As for mixing that involves displaying beauty, physical contact between men, and conflict between men in the house, or in the school, or on the road, or in the shop, this is what is prohibited. A woman sitting with a student on a chair or in front of him, uncovered and seductive, is an abomination in the view of all scholars. This applies to students and universities and the like, or if she comes to the mosque as a spectator, this is forbidden in the view of all, and she is prevented from the mosque. Or if she comes wearing perfume, or if she is wearing hijab but is adorned, she is also prevented, based on the explicit hadith from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). The result is that mixing is of two types: one type is accompanied by chastity, hijab, purity, and distance from the causes of fitnah; this is permissible in the examples you heard, such as passing through the market for her need, or leaving her house to her father’s or brother’s house, or the like, covered, wearing hijab, and modest. Or leaving for the mosque modestly, or leaving to hear a lesson, or similar needs. The wives did not go out to the mosque, or to the houses of their relatives, and the husbands of the female Companions also went out, and they would gather with men, hear the hadiths, and hear the advice. Then they would gather with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and he would advise them and guide them (peace and blessings be upon him). All of this is permissible. The abomination is mixing that is accompanied by a lack of modesty, uncovering, displaying beauty, and naked clothing, which women do today if Allah does not protect them in some travels, or in schools, or in other suspicious and evil gatherings. This is the abomination today.