JEDDAH: The permanent committee for issuing religious edicts, chaired by Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Sheikh, 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 center, 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.

“Women’s work and education should be done without mingling with men. They should work in women-only workplaces, as Islamic teachings ban the mingling of sexes,” the committee said, quoting a verse from the Holy Qur’an: When you ask them (wives of the Prophet) for any goods, ask them from behind a curtain. This is purer for your hearts and for theirs — verse 53, Chapter Al-Ahzab.

The committee said the verse applied to all Muslim women until the Day of Judgment.

“Women’s work and education should be done without mingling with men. They should work in women-only workplaces, as Islamic teachings ban the mingling of sexes,” the committee said, quoting a verse from the Holy Qur’an: When you ask them (wives of the Prophet) for any goods, ask them from behind a curtain. This is purer for your hearts and for theirs — verse 53, Chapter Al-Ahzab.

The committee said the verse applied to all Muslim women until the Day of Judgment.