Going to the Bazaar for Donations Where There Are Unveiled Women

Question

Question: An imam of a mosque collects donations for an institution in a situation where in cities women are generally seen unclothed. Moreover, the imam often has to remain in the urban environment, because throughout the month donations are obtained by means of boxes placed in shops; thus the imam often spends his time in the bazaar itself. Wandering about the city’s bazaars, neighbourhoods and streets — harm to his abstinence (zuhd) and God-consciousness (taqwa) is certain.

Answer

Going to cities and bazaars out of need, while observing the limits of the Shari‘a, is permissible. Going merely for amusement or in order to look at unclothed women is not permissible.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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