Ruling on Seclusion (Khalwah) with a Non-Mahram Woman
Source: Fatawa Ameenpuri by Shaykh Ghulam Mustafa Zaheer Ameenpuri
Question
What is the ruling on being in seclusion (khalwah) with a non-mahram woman?
Answer
It is not permissible to be in seclusion with a non-mahram woman. Its prohibition is established by authentic Ahadith and the consensus of scholars.
❀ The Prophet ﷺ said:
لا يخلون رجل بامرأة إلا ومعها ذو محرم
“No man should be alone with a woman unless she has with her a mahram relative.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 3006; Sahih Muslim 1341 — from ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas رضي الله عنهما)
❀ Imam al-Nawawi رحمه الله said:
أما إذا خلا الأجنبي بالأجنبية من غير ثالث معهما فهو حرام باتفاق العلماء
“If a non-mahram man is alone with a non-mahram woman without a third person present, it is haram by agreement of the scholars.”
(Sharh al-Nawawi 9/109)
