Q: A certain woman is giving a talk in Dewsbury. I feel that as she doesn’t wear purdah and also address’s mixed gatherings, even if her words can change hearts, I don’t think it is correct, even participating in a female only gathering of hers. Please help so that the reply can be sent before the talk.
A: It is totally un-Islamic that a strange woman publicly address a mixed audience of men and woman. In Islam, it is compulsory for a woman to remain within the confines of her home and observe purdah from na mahram strange men.However, if the Ulama and the pious of that area attest to the piety of a specific woman, then after adopting all measures in terms of purdah, they may allow her to address a group of women in private. There are many Ahaadith which are reported from Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) with regards to the compulsion of purdah in Islam. Refer to http://muftionline.co.za/node/1705
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Zakaria Makada
Checked & Approved:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)