Attending Mixed Gatherings

QUESTION:

Would it be permissible to attend a mixed gathering and resign one’s self to interact with only the males in order to maintain family ties?

ANSWER:

No, it will not be permissible to attend such functions as there is no proper separation between the genders. Shaytaan and Nafs (evil desires) may tempt one to cast evil glances causing great damage to one’s Imaan .

Furthermore, you are not compelled to attend such functions and neither will this be tantamount to severing family ties.

Consider the following Ahaadith:

لَا طَاعَةَ لِمَخْلُوقٍ فِيِ معصيةِ الخالقِ. (شرح السنة #3624)

“There is no obedience to the creation in disobedience to the Creator.”

من كثر سواد قوم فهو منهم، ومن رضي عمل قوم كان شريكا في عمله (كنز العمال #24735)

“Whoever increases the number of a gathering, is part of them and whoever is pleased with/approves an action will be a partner of those carrying out the deed.”

قال العلامة المناوي في شرحه أي من كثر سواد قوم بأن ساكنهم وعاشرهم وناصرهم فهو منهم وإن لم يكن من قبيلتهم أو بلدهم.(فيض القدير 6/156)

ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Abdul Kader Fazlani

Date: 08 Rabi-ul-Aakhir 1447 / 01 October 2025

CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:

Mufti Yacoob Vally Saheb