KUALA LUMPUR: A husband has the right to prevent his wife from participating in a team-building programme if it involves other male participants to avoid slander and khalwat.
According to Sinar Harian, Penang Mufti Associate Professor Datuk Dr Mohd Sukki Othman said such social activities were known as ikhtilat (gender-mixing) events.
He added that such programmes, especially those with physical contact, water events and night-time performances, were prohibited forms of gender mixing, as there was no religious justification to allow them.
"This is not an emergency situation, there is no significant need or benefit, and in reality, there is no reason why team-building programmes cannot be arranged in a syariah-compliant manner.
"As a husband, he should prevent his wife from participating in this programme. He should also file a complaint and suggest that the team-building activities be separated between men and women.
"The exception is for activities that are free from suspicion, such as lectures (with segregated seating) and the like," he said as quoted by Sinar Harian, adding that gender-mixing activities were paths that could lead to immoral behaviour.