Men intermixing and having Khulwah with women who do not observe Hijab

Q 1: There are some communities, especially in the southern areas where men mix with women without the woman's wearing any Shar`y (Islamically lawful) veil, and sometimes have Khulwah (being alone with a member of the opposite sex) . When advised about the impermissibility of this, they argue that they do not mean anything Haram (unlawful) and even they are told that the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet) themselves who have purer hearts were commanded with the same order, but again they refuse and give meaningless excuses.We ask you to explain the legal ruling on this matter, and who is held responsible for this sin. Should women wear Hijab (veil) and abstain from mixing with men, even if she is not told so by her Waliy or husband. What do you advise in this issue? Is a man obliged to abstain from intermingling or having Khulwah with female non-Mahrams (not a spouse or permanently unmarriageable relative), even if he does not mean anything evil, as he says?

A: Uncovering the `Awrah (parts of the body that must be covered in public) of a man or a woman is Haram as well as free intermingling of both sexes in a way that arouses Fitnah (temptation). This is an avenue to evil (Part No. 17; Page No. 55) and is also Haram. A woman being alone with other than her Mahram or husband is prohibited, and it is incumbent upon every Mukallaf (person meeting the conditions to be held legally accountable for their actions) whether man or woman to protect their honor, and adhere to the Shari`ah (Islamic law) of Allah. A woman's Waliy and the general ruler have to severely punish the foolish elements and those who transgress the limits set by Allah. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.