acsghgk@ubvmsd.cc.buffalo.edu (Hanif Khalak) (10/17/90)
Assalamu alaikum, I would like to bring up an issue which has arisen in a student organization (not at SUNY) of which I am a part. There seems to be a disagreement about whether Muslim sisters should participate in sitting at information tables for our organization (located outside in a busy area where people can walk by and stop to look/ask). There are those who say that sisters are not supposed to do this type of activity, because of public 'exposure' and possible consequential interaction. Others disagree in that the sisters would be able to provide a mode of communication for (non-Muslim) females to find out about Islam/the organization, and that in the natural course of campus activity and life, that the sisters would not normally (try/be able to) avoid the interaction with others, esp. non-Muslim males -- key aspect of the argument against the activity. Now, this discussion/argument has led to another (not new) issue as to whether Muslim men and women should be together in the same room for an organizational/whatever meeting conducting normal activities as such (discussion, voting, etc). Similar aspects of argument as pertaining to the previous issue have been applied here. I would very much appreciate the input of fellow Muslims on the net and elsewhere on this subject/issue. It seems that the activity of the Muslimah's is necessarily defined by a resolution of this 'problem'. I look forward, insha' Allah, to responses, and hope that all success is accorded to whom it is deserved. Jazak Allah kayra, Hanif Khalak P.S. I would like to thank the brother(s) who posted the letter about Palestine. It was very touching. I wish that I could find strength and that I WOULD do something. Wasala'am...
paul@kuhub.cc.ukans.edu (10/19/90)
>From: acsghgk@ubvmsd.cc.buffalo.edu (Hanif Khalak) >Subject:mixing >Date: 16 Oct 90 19:46:17 GMT > >Assalamu alaikum, > > Now, this discussion/argument has led to another (not new) >issue as to whether Muslim men and women should be together in the >same room for an organizational/whatever meeting conducting normal >activities as such (discussion, voting, etc). Similar aspects of >argument as pertaining to the previous issue have been applied here. > Sahih al Bukhari, Book 62 (Book of Wedlock), Chapter 113 "A private meeting between a man and a woman is allowed when they are not secluded from the people." Verse 161. Narrated Anas bin Malik: An Ansari women came to the Prophet (PBUH) and he took her aside and said (to her), "By Allah, you (Ansar) are the most beloved people to me."