What is the linguistic and legal (Sharia) definition of al-ikhtilat (mingling/intermixing)? What is its detailed legal ruling in Sharia, along with evidence, and mentioning points of disagreement if any?

Linguistically, mixing (ikhtilat) means blending one thing with another.

Islamically, it refers to the gathering of men and women in one place without observing the Sharia-compliant regulations, which may lead to indecency (fahisha).

Sayyid Qutb clarified that indecencies include the مقدمات (preliminaries) and circumstances surrounding the crime of unlawful sexual intercourse (zina), such as: wanton display of adornment (tabarruj), shamelessness (tahattuk), provocative mixing (ikhtilat muthir), and immoral gestures and movements. All of these destroy the family structure and stain consciences. It is for this reason that their discussion comes after the discussion of parents and children.

We have previously explained the ruling on mixing, its consequences, and when it is permissible in previous fatwas.