The Ruling on Entering Markets in Which Men and Women Mix

Question :

Is it permissible for a Muslim to enter a market when he knows that in the market there are women wearing flimsy, revealing clothes and that there is mixing (of men and women ) which is displeasing to Allah, the Almighty, the All-Powerful?

Answer:

No one should enter such a market as this, unless it is to command good and forbid evil, or for some pressing need.

If he does so, he must avert his gaze and avoid the causes of trial and temptation (Fitnah), taking care to preserve his honor and his religion, and abstaining from all means of evil.

It is, however, incumbent upon those who are able, to denounce those things which deserve censure, according to the Words of Allah, Glorious is He and Most High:
"The believers, men and women, are Awliya' (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another, they enjoin (on the people) Al- Ma'ruf (i.e., Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e., polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islam has forbidden)."

And His saying:
"Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islam), enjoining Al-Ma'ruf (i.e., Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden). And it is they who are the successful."

And the Verses with this meaning are many. Similarly, the Prophet said:
"When people see an evil and they do not change it, they are soon to all suffer a punishment from Allah."

This was recorded by Imam Ahmad and some of the Sunan compilers, from Abu Bakr as-Siddiq, may Allah be pleased with him, with an authentic chain of narration.

He also said:
"Whoever saw something objectionable, he should change it with his hand; if he is unable to do so, then by speaking (against it); if he is unable to do so, then (he should hate it) with his heart and this is the weakest form of faith."

This was recorded by Imam Muslim in his Sahih. And the Hadiths bearing this meaning are numerous. And Allah is the Granter of success.