Question: 

I would like to find out if it is permissible to attend a walimah or any invitation where they have catered for ladies in purdah... What they call a pardah section...

As well as for the men... They have separate facilities...

But on the other hand there is also intermingling taking place in the middle of the hall...

So basically they "cater" for those who don't want to get involved in the intermingling...

Would it be permissible to attend such a function? 

Answer: 

Islam does not allow intermingling with the opposite gender. Allah Ta'aala has placed a natural inclination for members of the opposite gender for each other. It is surely a great blessing of Allah Ta'aala  that the Shari'ah of Islam has put laws of precaution in place. Besides the unlawful crimes and sins outlined in Shari'ah, Allah Ta'aala  also forbids acts which lead to sins. For example, when interest became forbidden, all affairs involving interest became forbidden as well. Similarly, any unnecessary contact, conversation, gazing at, and avoidable instances of mixing with the opposite gender are forbidden. The sexual instinct is one of the greatest weaknesses of human beings, especially in this time of fitnah (trials and tribulations). When any of the abovementioned acts are committed, it ignites the fire of temptation which in many cases leads to major sins such as zina (adultery, fornication). This is why these acts are considered to be a minor form of zina.

Allah Ta'aala  has given us a warning in the Quran by saying:

And do not go even close to fornication. It is indeed a shameful act and an evil way to follow". (17:32)

In this verse, Allah Ta'aala  did not just say "Do not fornicate", but He said, “do not even go close to it” meaning do not do things which may lead to adultery or fornication as Shaitan is quick to mislead the believers. Zina has become widespread in our present time, and this is one of the minor signs of Qiyamah. In conclusion, Allah Ta'aala  has made Islam so perfect that He has forbidden many acts which can lead to major sins. Intermingling between men and women will undoubtedly lead one to sin at some point or the other, which is why it is forbidden.

You must not take part in such a Walimah. Those who obey the orders of Allah Ta'aala  will surely be rewarded on the day when only one's deeds will matter. We ask Allah  to keep us on the correct path and to give us the ability to fulfill His injunctions upon us.

AND ALLAH TA'AALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST

ANSWERED BY: Sohel Lala 

CHECKED AND APPROVED BY: Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B. 

Islamic Date:٢٧ جمادى الأولى 1441 

English Date: 22 February 2020