It is un-Islamic and a sin for men and women to consume food together at public events like weddings, a fatwa from the Darul Uloom Deoband seminary has said. The fatwa said men and women eating together is 'na-jayaz', or 'not recommended', and could result in moral decline.

The written fatwa was issued in response to a question from an unidentified Deoband resident, who asked the Darul Ifta, the fatwa wing of the seminary, if it was in accordance with Sharia for men and women to dine together. He had also asked if it was acceptable for Muslims to eat while standing.

"It is 'na-jayaz' (illegitimate) and sin for men and women have food together at wedding functions or other events," the fatwa said. "Such a practice will have an adverse impact on the society and result in a moral decline," it added, reported Deccan Herald.

On the question of eating or drinking while standing, the seminary repeated earlier rulings that have stated that it is un-Islamic, and that Muslims should only consume them while sitting.

The seminary, located about 160 km north of Delhi, often hits the headlines for the fatwas it issues. The website of its Darul Ifta receives thousands of queries from Muslims who seek guidance on whether a particular act is acceptable according to Islamic law and practice. A vast majority of its rulings tend to be on everyday matters.