The Muslim News Issue 266, Friday 24 June 2011 - 22 Rajab 1432
Fatwa body bans mingling of sexes
Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Sheikh, announced that the
committee for issuing religious edicts has banned the mingling of men and women
at offices and educational institutions.
“Women
are not allowed to work with men. For example, they cannot work as secretaries
for men or at receptions, production lines or accounting sections in a
commercial centre, pharmacy or restaurant where men are also present,” the
ruling said.
The
committee, which made this comment while answering a question from a Saudi,
warned that the mingling of sexes would have a negative effect on the family
and society.
Last
year, the committee issued a similar edict banning women from working as
cashiers at supermarkets.