Fatwa by: Former Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Ibn Baz (may Allah have mercy on him)
Question:
What is the ruling on correspondence between young men and women, especially if it is free from immorality, love, or infatuation?
Answer:
It is not permissible for a man to correspond with an unrelated woman (non-mahram) because such interactions can lead to temptation, even if the individuals believe they are safe from it. The devil does not leave such people alone until he leads them into fitnah (temptation and corruption). The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) instructed that when a person hears of the appearance of the Dajjal (Anti-Christ), they should stay far away from him, because the Prophet said that a believer might go to see him in a state of faith, but the Dajjal will lead him into fitnah, causing him to fall into disbelief.
Similarly, even if the person claims that their letters are free from love or infatuation, correspondence between men and women can be the precursor to significant dangers and great temptations. Therefore, it is essential to avoid such practices.
However, correspondence between men with other men, or women with other women, is permissible as long as it does not lead to any forbidden actions.
Question:
What is the ruling on correspondence between young men and women, especially if it is free from immorality, love, or infatuation?
Answer:
It is not permissible for a man to correspond with an unrelated woman (non-mahram) because such interactions can lead to temptation, even if the individuals believe they are safe from it. The devil does not leave such people alone until he leads them into fitnah (temptation and corruption). The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) instructed that when a person hears of the appearance of the Dajjal (Anti-Christ), they should stay far away from him, because the Prophet said that a believer might go to see him in a state of faith, but the Dajjal will lead him into fitnah, causing him to fall into disbelief.
Similarly, even if the person claims that their letters are free from love or infatuation, correspondence between men and women can be the precursor to significant dangers and great temptations. Therefore, it is essential to avoid such practices.
However, correspondence between men with other men, or women with other women, is permissible as long as it does not lead to any forbidden actions.
