CUSTOMS & CULTURE

Why are some Muslims strict about the separation of men and women?

• Islam places a great emphasis on respect, dignity and honor of both men and women
• Islamic teachings protect the respect, dignity and honor of both men and women by providing certain guidelines of how men and women should interact with one another
• However, some Muslims may take a more literalist and strict approach to how men and women should interact
• Men and women at the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) interacted in an honorable, respectful and dignified manner
• Men and women can talk to each other in a respectful and dignified manner
• Some Islamic social etiquettes of Islam include:
• Lowering one’s gaze in order to not stare rudely or make another feel uncomfortable
• Not touching an unrelated woman in an inappropriate manner
• Not staying alone with a person of the opposite gender who is unrelated
• Avoiding the use of crude or inappropriate language with a person of the opposite gender
• Thus, Islam ensures that both men and women are respected and protected at all levels: physical, psychological, mental and emotional

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