Is it permissible for scholars to give mixed-gender lessons to young people, where men sit on one side and women on another, in a non-Arab country? And is this considered the forbidden mixing?

The default ruling regarding mixing between men and women in education, work, and other spheres is prohibition, as it leads to tribulations and corruptions. However, in countries where mixing has become widespread and people are afflicted by it, it is permitted due to necessity. If people need to learn their religion and it is not possible to separate them, it is permissible to gather them while separating men and women as much as possible (men in front and women in back), and commanding women to observe hijab and avoid adornment.

This permission is based on the principle: "That which is prohibited as a means to prevent evil is permitted due to necessity and a greater benefit." Indeed, people's ignorance of religion is a greater corruption than the mixing they are accustomed to.

The preacher and teacher should not succumb to a reality that contradicts Islamic law. Rather, they must strive to change this reality gradually as much as possible. If it is not possible, then they must mitigate corruptions as much as they can. However, leniency without striving for change is blameworthy, especially if the lectures do not pertain to explaining essential matters of religion.