By Adams Abdulrahman

It is without doubt, that Muslims in our time, have overtime shredded away from some fundamental values and injunctions of our noble religion. The effects of these, is unwarranted debates on matters that have been established years before this generation. One of such matters, is the Intermixing of the opposite gender. This is so disheartening not because individuals have decided to let go of certain values as Muslims but the fact that such acts have been normalised. It now seems odd for a Muslim male to decline a handshake or hug from the opposite gender. While Intermixing is a relative word that goes beyond handshakes and hugs, this piece would try to clear some air as regards the subject matter.
What is Intergender mixing (Ikhtilaat)?
Ikhtilaat in Arabic language, refers to mixing. It entails the coexistence of two entities, it could mean partnership in business, it could also be used lexically to denote when a man goes intimate with his wife, or of two beings sharing one place.
However, in Fiqh terminology, the term Ikhtilaat is rare. The early scholars of fiqh did not use the words in their books even though it’s meaning was clear.
As Muslims, the default ruling on this subject matter, would be that it’s highly prohibited for a non-related Muslims of opposite gender to go touchy or be in close proximity with one another . However it’s imperative to note that certain exceptions have been made in this regards.
In furtherance discuss of this subject matter, one would note that there are issues which remain non-debatable as regards Ikhtilaat. One of such is:
The prohibition of seclusion.

This is a matter of general consensus as supported by the Hadith of the Prophet SAW” No man should ever be alone with a woman except she’s with her Mahram (a male relative who she’s forbidden to get married to)
Covering the awrah

It’s not permissible for a female Muslim to display parts of their adornment which should remain covere or dress in ways that would incline men towards her.

The prohibition of physical contact.
Avoiding indecency and unnecessary banter.

Intermingling on Virtual Modes
Without doubt, this Ummah has enjoyed advanced technological innovations of which the use of the internet comes first among others. While we admit the beautiful benefits of these advancements, we should not turn a blind eye to its excesses left unchecked. Is there any danger in men and women using the internet? Well this question sounds appealing to the intellects.

The internet is such a secure environment where individuals who acts righteous go over-board online due to the sense of security, they make remarks and commit acts they won’t do physically, This makes it a reason to identify that, as Muslims we should endeavour to make use of all resources available to us for just and permissible reasons like teaching, learning and not for frivolous activities which might leads to fitnah.

Lastly, if by Intermixing, we meant that men and women in their ranks should gather to perform certain religious or worldly affairs along with shariah ettiquettes of hijab, lowering gaze and putting in place measures to aid strict compliance, then there is no harm. An example of this gathering of men and women in the open space include the Eid prayers, hajj and Ummah, open gathering of knowledge and going out to attend to one’s need amidst other people.

On the other hand, if what is intended by it is the mingling of the two parties and permeation of their ranks, then the default ruling of prohibition is applied here. Aside cases that are explicitly stated by the shariah like in terms of War, legal proceedings or medical conditions.

The core importance of this, is to note the safeguarding the Islamic values. May Allah ease our affairs.