What is the ruling on working in a charitable organization where there is free mixing with women, and it requires communicating with them via social media to coordinate charitable work?
Charitable work requires those involved in it to adhere to guidelines, including avoiding forbidden mixing (ikhtilat). If there is a need for men and women to meet, then lowering the gaze is obligatory, and speech should be limited to what is necessary. Women must adhere to the full legal , and avoid speaking in a soft, alluring voice, or engaging in excessive jesting, as these can incite temptation (fitna).
Mixing is forbidden if it involves private seclusion () with a non- woman, or looking with lust, or if the woman is immodest and not properly covered, or if there is frivolity, playfulness, and physical contact. It is permissible if there is a legitimate need, provided Sharia guidelines are observed.
If your work involves forbidden mixing that does not adhere to Sharia guidelines, then you are obliged to leave it if possible. If you are compelled to remain in it, then you must strive to lower your gaze and avoid speaking with women unnecessarily, and avoid private seclusion with them. As for communication via social media for work purposes, it is permissible on condition that there is no risk of temptation (fitna) and that it is limited to what the work requires.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Original fatwa ID
- 172494
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- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
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