mixed gatherings

[Najla]

AsSalam Alaikum. 

Are mixed gatherings of men and women allowed in Muslim weddings?

[Najla]

Reminder Mv

[Ruhi_Rose]

Walaykum as Salam.   Profuse apology for the big delay.  For some reason the notification didn't work.  Thanks for the reminder.

The Noble Quran does not say that mixed gatherings in weddings are prohibited.  Therefore our common sense tells us that as long as a mixed gathering is conducted with decency and modesty in accordance with the principles and ethical values of the Noble Quran, then there is no reason to prohibit it.  

It depends largely upon Muslims with varying religious and cultural views, how they interpret Islam.  If one is firmly and rationally based on the Quran, mixed gatherings would be fine if the behavior of men and women are decent and within Quranic limits. 

Conservative families may feel more comfortable with gender separations.   But lots of other Muslim weddings do take place where there is no gender segregation.

The aspects forbidden are:

1)  Weddings or gatherings where two members of the opposite gender seek seclusion with Haram intentions of extra marital intimacy.

2)  Physical contact between members of the opposite genders.

3)  Women dressed indecently or provocatively showing too much of their skin.

4)  Flirtatious behavior of men and women.

If the above issues are avoided, then there is nothing wrong with mixed gatherings in a Muslim wedding.

[Najla]

True, right.  Lots of thanks.  and what about music?  Is that okay in Muslim weddings or better avoided?

[Ruhi_Rose]

Again, there is nothing stated in the Noble Quran that forbids music in weddings and other gatherings of happy occasions for Muslims.  In many Muslim communities traditional music and folk dances are considered completely acceptable.  The Salafist minded so-called Muslims are generally strict about prohibiting music in all gatherings including weddings, unless one sings nasheeds or similar songs usually without musical instruments.  But this approach is not a Quranic Law.   Thus it depends on the wordings of the song and physical gestures of the body while dancing to a music.  If the songs and dances involve unworthy displays of love and romance, then it is prohibited, otherwise there is nothing wrong with music in weddings. 

[Najla]

Thank you again sister.  That helped.