What is the ruling on young men and women from the same college gathering to take a group photo as a memento, knowing that this is a college tradition and many see it as not contravening the religion?

Firstly: The mixing of young men and women in places of study, work, and transportation is considered a cause of corruption and the spread of vice. It has been reported from Ibn al-Qayyim that enabling women to mix with men is the root of every calamity and evil, and a cause of corruption in both public and private affairs. The Permanent Committee for Issuing Fatwas has ruled on the prohibition of mixing between men and women in education. Therefore, whoever is afflicted with studying in mixed universities must fear Allah, lower his gaze, and focus on his studies. If it is possible for him to transfer to a non-mixed college, that is better.

Secondly: It is forbidden to photograph living beings, whether human or animal, by drawing, sculpting, or photographic imaging. Exceptions are made for what is permitted by need or necessity, such as identity photos and passports. This is supported by prophetic hadiths that prohibit imaging and depict it as one of the severest punishments on the Day of Judgment. The Permanent Committee for Issuing Fatwas affirms the prohibition of photographing living beings. This prohibition is further emphasized when the pictures are of male and female students in their adornment, as this constitutes a violation of Allah's command to lower the gaze. Therefore, it is not permissible to take such pictures or to keep them.