Q: I am going (name withheld) an islamic event this week.  I am confused if I should go or not go.  I am hearing from close friends and FB that guys and gals are going to hook up.  How do I go and yet maintain my Islamic identity? Allah has protected me so far but I am sooo tempted. I am scared and really bothered at the same time.  Please help (text)

A: Go with a mahram. Associate with those that are true to self and faith.  Since it is an ‘Islamic’ event, I am sure the organizes, sponsors and participants would have religious matters taken care off in a ‘truly’ Islamic manner. Likewise, attendees  would (should)  be clad in proper Islamic attire for the Islamic event. It would be sad to see sponsors, organizers and participants attending an Islamic event in a manner no different to that of a movie theater (no, we do not encourage anyone go to a movie theater either!)  Likewise, I am sure this ‘Islamic student group’ would have a proper separation between men and woman. The latter would take care of your religious concern.

Should woman not be clad in Islamic attire for this Islamic event, likewise, should there not be an appropriate partition between men and woman, in such a case you have to evaluate if this is truly an Islamic event/organization, or a mere usage of the ‘Islamic’ name to fulfill inappropriate desires.

I am confidant you would make a decision that would make you proud, a believer does not take religion as a joke or mockery (based on ayah), so be wise regarding the places you seek to attend.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

p.s. next time please do not text me 21 times!