QUESTION:
At my new work place, we’re slowly moving away from traditional gender bathroom usage and anyone who “identifies as a woman” can use it. In other cases, there are “all-gender” bathrooms. This is absolutely unacceptable to me and I brought it up with the HR. They have asked me to show any religious proof or scriptures that prove that a Muslim woman cannot share a bathroom with a strange man. Please assist with any guidance on this matter.
ANSWER:
Islam is a pure religion that advocates purity in every sense. The prophetic tradition states, “Cleanliness is half of faith.” Muslims are required to maintain external cleanliness by always remaining physically clean, keeping their homes, workplaces, places of prayer, restrooms, etc. clean. Similarly, a Muslim is required to maintain spiritual purity by keeping the tongue pure and not being vulgar to others, by keeping the gaze pure and not glancing at the opposite gender, by preserving their chastity and refraining from illicit relationships, etc. In other words, they are required to live a life of modesty.
It is for this reason that females are not permitted to interact with males without necessity. Futile intermingling and freely mixing with the opposite gender leads to various forms of vice and evil such as extra-marital affairs, illicit relationships, etc. which then causes havoc in society and ruins homes and marriages. Such actions are considered as impure and a sin in all religions. In fact, the Quraan categorically states, “And do not draw close to fornication for verily it is indecency and the worst of ways.” [Surah Bani Isra’eel, Verse 32]
Hence, Islam provides safety and protection to women by keeping them away from the opposite gender. By encouraging unisex toilets, the modesty of both males and females will be compromised. Males will be in the restroom using urinals in full view of females, whilst females will be busy beautifying themselves in front of the mirrors in full view of males. This will naturally attract the opposite gender and ultimately lead to various wrongs.
Also, since Muslims live a life of modesty, they naturally feel uncomfortable using the restroom in the presence of the opposite gender. Hence, it becomes difficult for a veiled female, or even an unveiled female, to use the restroom that is frequented by males, or it is difficult for a righteous male to use the restroom in the presence of other females. We therefore request all companies to have separate restroom facilities for both males and females, which has been the trend since time immemorial.
[Re:- Fataawa Uthmaaniyyah Pg.77 Vol.10]
ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Maulana Ahmed Saeed
Date:- 26 Safr 1445 / 12 September 2023
CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai Saheb
