THIRD REMINDER. Yaumu Al-Sabt, 1st day of Jumaadal Aakhira/Thaani (Saturday 17th February). ISLAMIC GUIDELINES FOR GENDER INTERACTIONS. BismilLah. Let's continue from the first and second Reminders; Mixing or intermingling is a general term, which includes that which is permissible and that which is prohibited. If it is merely men and women gathering in an open space to perform shared work, whether religious or non-religious, that in itself is not prohibited, as long as the Islamic code of behavior is followed, in terms of Hijab, lowering the gaze, and the like. Women must keep away from men and vice versa as much as possible. If mingling is about men and women socializing and mixing together closely and freely, this follows the basic principle of prohibition, as long as there is no exigent need according to the criteria of Shari`ah. The prohibition of free mixing, particularly between people of young age is based on many proofs, of them, the following: The saying of Allah, “And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance, and perform As-Salat, and give Zakat and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah wishes only to remove Ar-Rijs (evil deeds and sins, etc.) from you, O members of the family (of the Prophet), and to purify you with a thorough purification.) (Al-Ahzab 33:33) If settling at homes to prevent fitnah is obligatory on the Mothers of the Believers, since the address is firstly directed to them, the generality of 'illah “effective cause of ruling” in Allah's saying, “to remove Ar-Rijs from you” indicates that others are included, for Allah is not pleased with sins for any believing woman. As Muslims we should strive to obey Allah and His Messenger as much as we can, disobedience only causes troubles in our life. May Allah protect us from any satanic influences. Aameen.