Based on Book Talk by Dr. Asif Hirani
Presented on Sept. 16, 2023
Book Report by Br. Mohammed Osama Syed (Master’s Student – Cohort 3)
“And thus We have made you a middle nation to be witnesses over mankind, and (for) the Messenger to be a witness over you.” (Q.2:143)
“Virtue is always in between the 2 vices.” – Aristotle
Without a doubt, a highly sensitive and contentious topic within the Muslim community, both in the West and abroad, is that of interaction with the opposite gender. What is the correct approach? Should we forego any and all inhibitions and restrictions in our communication with each other and simply “keep our hearts and intentions clean”? Or should we completely shun any and all conversations between unrelated men and women entirely? It is precisely this issue that is addressed in detail by Dr. Asif Hirani in his book, Principles of Men-Women Interaction in Islam.
On Saturday, September 26th, 2023, Boston Islamic Seminary had the pleasure of hosting a virtual book talk with the author, who is currently a resident scholar for ICNA in Dallas. The event was moderated by Ibrahim Sesay, a student of BIS.
Imam Asif began by explaining how this is a very sensitive, but important topic within the Muslim community. He also mentioned that we should always turn to the Quran and Sunnah for guidance in all matters. One of the objectives of Islamic law is the preservation of lineage and the Sharia has given us guidelines – on an individual level, on a social level, and at the state level – in order to preserve the family.
“Freedom is limited within fine lines of Shari’ah,” Imam Asif noted. This is no doubt especially pertinent when skewed notions of “freedom” and “progress” are being used to push everything that would ultimately do away with lineage. On the other hand, Imam Asif made sure to emphasize that “zero interaction” is another extreme.
Imam Asif mentioned, “Our social biases should be changed in accordance with the Quran and Sunnah.” He noted how we should not make generic statements and that we should specify what is Halal and what is Haram along with examining one’s own heart. Imam Asif then summarized briefly what guidelines should be followed in our interactions with the opposite gender be it in the workplace or on social media.
There is no doubt much pressure upon Muslims to lean this way or the other on not just the issue of “men-women interaction” but on more or less any other topic. What is of utmost importance is that we ensure that our social practices are in accordance with The Quran and Sunnah, as beautifully said by Imam Asif. We should strive to be the middle nation that is mentioned in The Quran and live in accordance with the Sunnah of His Messenger Sallallahu ‘Alaihe Wa Sallam.
We ask that Allah Ta’ala reward Imam Asif for his service to the Deen.