This article is derived from the book “500 Questions and Answers for Women,” based on the fatwas of the scholars of the Haramain, translated by Hafiz Abdullah Saleem.
Question:
If a man makes a phone call and a woman answers, and he asks about her brother, husband, or any other family member, is there any harm in this?
Answer:
If there is a genuine need to speak, then it is preferable and recommended that the conversation begins with Salam (greeting of peace).
The fundamental principle regarding this matter is that a man should avoid conversing with a non-Mahram woman to prevent any potential fitnah (temptation). However, if there is no fear of temptation or corruption, then there is no harm in such communication.
Similarly, if a woman calls her sister or friend and a man answers instead, she may inquire about her sister or friend if necessary.
In cases where a woman must speak to a man, she should begin with Salam, as supported by the saying of the Prophet ﷺ:
“Whoever initiates a conversation with you before greeting with Salam, do not respond to them.”
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Jāmi’, Hadith No. 6122)
Thus, casual or unnecessary conversations between non-Mahram men and women should be avoided, but if there is a valid necessity and no risk of fitnah, then it is permissible.
📖 (Fatwa by Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah bin Baz, رحمه الله)
