- Arab News
By MUHAMMAD AL-SULAM
JEDDAH: The permanent committee for issuing religious edicts, chaired by Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Sheikh, has banned the mingling of men and women at offices and educational institutions.
“Women are not allowed to work with men. For example, they cannot work as secretaries for men or at receptions, production lines or accounting sections in a commercial center, pharmacy or restaurant where men are also present,” the ruling said.
The committee, which made this comment while answering a question from a Saudi, warned that the mingling of sexes would have a negative effect on the family and society.
“Women’s work and education should be done without mingling with men. They should work in women-only workplaces, as Islamic teachings ban the mingling of sexes,” the committee said, quoting a verse from the Holy Qur’an: When you ask them (wives of the Prophet) for any goods, ask them from behind a curtain. This is purer for your hearts and for theirs — verse 53, Chapter Al-Ahzab.
The committee said the verse applied to all Muslim women until the Day of Judgment.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) has said that it is better for women to pray at their homes than in mosques. However, in the same Hadith, the Prophet has urged Muslims not to prevent their women from praying at mosques. The committee urged all citizens and residents to fear God and follow His teachings in all their affairs and dealings.
The religious edict was signed by prominent clerics such as Sheikh Abdullah Al-Mutlaq, Sheikh Ahmed Mubaraki, Sheikh Saleh Al-Fowzan, Sheikh Abdul Kareem Al-Khodair, Sheikh Muhammad Al-Asheikh and Sheikh Abdullah bin Khonain.
Last year, the committee issued a similar edict banning women from working as cashiers at supermarkets.
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