Muslim Woman Giving Lecture on Islam to a Mixed Gathering

By Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Posted: 27 Safar 1424, 17 April 2004


Q.) A Muslim brother who teaches at the University contacted me if my wife can deliver a speech about 'Women in Islam' to under-graduate student class which includes twenty-six girls and four guys. My wife is a revert to Islam and Alhamdulillah we try to practice deen twenty-four hours in our life. The reason the brother is asking for the lecture or speech is that my wife belongs to the same country and from same culture and he thinks she would be able to explain this topic in a better way as there is a lot of misconception about Islam and women in the people's minds in US. My question is, is it permissible for my wife to deliver a speech while observing pardah? Is this kind of da'wa allowed? [Sarmad]

A.) You may be well aware that women in Islam are required to observe Hijab in front of Ghayr Mahram males. The very concept of co-education at universities is against the spirit of women and Hijab in Islam. We do understand that your wife may not be able to change that in the university. Women in Islam is synonymous to Hijab and non-intermingling. It will be advisable for her to address only the girls and the program may be taped and passed over to the four males. Her conduct and practice on Shari'ah will have more effect than her actual speech. Consider your wife talking about, for example, Hijab or being in Hijab but being in a mixed gathering. That seems hypocritical and the contents of her talk will be void of any effect and Barakah. Let the discussion on women in Islam be practically demonstrated. That will encourage other local girls as your wife is also a local person. And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best