What is the ruling on a number of young men and women gathering to discuss daʿwah matters or projects, while adhering to the legitimate Islamic guidelines such as lowering the gaze and not speaking softly and enticingly?

The participation of Muslim women in education, Da‘wah (preaching of Islam), and reform is a religious requirement. Women in the era of prophethood participated in education, Da‘wah, Jihad, and issuing Fatwas (religious rulings). Despite this, there is no evidence that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, ever met with men and women together to discuss Islamic matters. Rather, women prayed behind men in the mosque, and they once requested a special day from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, for him to admonish them. This indicates that they did not crowd men in gatherings. Therefore, mixed gatherings of men and women to discuss Da‘wah matters should be avoided as a preventive measure (sadd al-dhari’ah). Women's advice and expertise can be sought through other means, such as one of the women being a mahram (definition) to one of you.