It has been seen that the Islamic rules and regulations for living a prosperous life are the preventive ones which mean these rules simultaneously builds a life of an individual and organizes the society in such manner that can prevent it from problems.

The same thing happened with the interaction between opposite genders in a mixed gathering, Almighty Allah and His Prophet (PBUH) has told us about the code of meeting of men and women. Although there is not a single verse or hadith with the literal meaning of prohibition of mixed gathering quoted by Islamic scholars, they have provided us with certain rules on interacting with the opposite gender.

What Do The Sects Of Islam Say About Mixed Gathering?

1. The Followers Of Imam Hanafi (RA) Believes That The Mixed Gathering May Become A Source Of Fitnah

The judge should try women separately from men since people tend to crowd together in the courtroom. It is quite obvious that the mixing together of men and women under such crowded conditions is conducive to temptation and other distasteful consequences. [al-Mabsût (16/80)]

2. Imam Malik Followers Believe The Same

An invitation may be refused if there is any clear wrongdoing at the party, as the mixing of men and women. [al-Fawakih al-Dawani Imam al-Nafrawi]

3. According To Shia School Of Thought, Intermingling Is Prohibited

It is not allowed to go to a gathering in which one knows that something haram will take place. For example, to accept a dinner invitation in which a person knows that by going there he will be forced to look at non-Mahram women without hijab, or he will backbite others, lie, or perform any other haram act, is not allowed.

All The Sects Do Believe That Islamic Shariah Allows Man And Woman In A Mixed Gathering If…

If we do follow these few rules, Islam did not object to men and women present at the same place then.

1. Don’t Adorn Yourself

It is not for women only, Almighty Allah has ordered both to guard their eyes.

And not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests and not expose their adornment (Surah Nur, verse 31)

2. No Physical Contact

Ibn Juraij narrated this hadith with the same chain of transmitters, but he made no mention of it: No person (man) should be alone with a woman except when there is a Mahram with her – Sahih Muslim, Book 15, Hadith 478

3. Meeting At A Place Where No One Can See Them Is Prohibited

Uqba bin Amir reported Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) as saying: Beware of getting, into the houses and meeting women (in seclusion) – Sahih Muslim, Book 39, Hadith 28

4. Other Circumstances

Islam allows the permissibility of meeting a man with a woman for the purpose of marriage, for taking medical advice, for the purpose of work and studying Islam.

In the light of above discussion, it has been observed that people often don’t abide by these conditions in wedding functions and this is why these mixed gatherings become unlawful.

And verily Almighty Allah knows the best!