Question
What should I do if I’m called to speak at a gathering where a crowd is mixed between men and women and there is a fear that if I do not go, then some other person from a deviant sect will take the platform?
Answer
This is just a loophole for some scholars to legitimize lecturing at mixed gatherings. Many a times the function or programme is arranged by the very scholars yet they state that there exists the fear of a deviant sect taking the platform. This is merely their flimsy excuses which are used to pacify and appease the Nafs. We are not in favour of such gatherings and do not sanction them.
If you as an Alim is sincerely concerned of protecting the Ummah from deviant lecturers (who may take the platform at such programmes), then prior to the programme you should launch a campaign whereby Ulama visit all the Masajid and
discourage our brothers from attending due to fear of misguidance.
Also, provide suitable alternate venues where the very same topics will be discussed by reliable scholars within the framework of Shariah, where a separate venue is arranged for men and a separate venue for women, especially if the subject matter is of vital importance and needs to be discussed.
Checked and Approved By:
Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B.