Can I Speak to a Non-Mahram for Unnecessary Reasons?
Question: Is it okay for a female to talk to a non-mahram male online, not work or school-related talks, just about everyday life, e.g. asking how they are etc? They live in two different countries. Would that make a difference, or is it not permissible according to Hanafi school of thought?
Answer: In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,
Assalam’aleykum,I pray this finds you in the best of states.
Jazakum Allah khayr for your question!
Gender Etiquette
Islamic gender etiquette is strict, yes, but it is strict for a reason. Unfettered access to members of the opposite sex, including casual friendships, can lead to emotional dependency, infatuation, and the physical behaviors that are associated with falling in love.
Unchecked, these developments can have a devastating impact on young people, particularly if the relationship is broken off by one of the parties, or, in the worst-case scenario, a physical relationship happens outside of marriage.
Please see: https://seekersguidance.org/answers/general-counsel/can-a-young-man-and-women-be-platonic-friends/ and: https://seekersguidance.org/answers/general-counsel/chatting-online-to-a-cousin-im-attracted-to/And Allah knows best.
I hope that the above answers your question. If something is unclear please do not hesitate to ask again.
May Allah Most High grant you the best of this world and the next. Please keep us in your du’as!
Wassalam
[Ustadh] Sufyan Qufi
