Women & Men Eating Together At Functions Is Un-Islamic Says Darul Uloom, NCW Seeks Explanation

Deoband based Islamic seminary has issued a fatwa saying that women and men eating together at functions is un-Islamic. The fatwa issued on December 18 also said that acts like eating while standing are harmful to Muslim society.

The fatwa was issued in response to a query by a Deoband resident seeking the seminary’s opinion on the matter, reported Times of India.

Darul Uloom declared that both acts are forbidden under the Shariat. The fatwa issued by Darul Ifta, fatwa wing of the seminary said, “It is ‘na-jayaz’ (illegitimate) and sin for men and women to have food together at wedding functions or other events”. The fatwa also said that “Doing such acts (eating while standing) will ruin Muslim society. Muslims should avoid such an act”.

National Commission of Women (NCW) demands an explanation

Reportedly, the National Commission of Women (NCW) has asked for an explanation from Vice Chancellor of Darul Uloom Deoband, Abdul Qasim Nomani for issuing the fatwa, which said that women and men eating together at functions is un-Islamic.

NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma said, “The commission takes serious note of the matter. It is derogatory, unacceptable and the NCW condemns it outright. Considering the gravity of the matter, you are hereby required to provide a satisfactory explanation to the commission on the matter by return or e-mail”.

Darul Uloom, one of the most famous centres in Asia for Islamic learning has often issued such controversial fatwas.

Fatwas issued previously

In November 2018, the seminary issued a fatwa saying that Muslim women wearing nail polish while offering namaaz arguing that nail polish hinders the water from washing their nails completely. In July 2018, another fatwa was issued saying that shaving and waxing are not considered good, it is against culture (Khilaf e Adab).

In February 2018, Darul Uloom said that Muslim women should not wear bangles from men at shops calling it “wrong and a big sin”, reported Times of India.

In April 2018, Darul Uloom said that Muslim marriages, where music and dance are part of the wedding are un-Islamic and hence, it will not conduct such marriages.

In 2017, the seminary issued a fatwa saying that according to Shariat, it is un-Islamic to shoot a picture and hence CCTV is also un-Islamic.

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