Interacting with Non-Mahram Women While Fasting: Talking or Touching

By: Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen (May Allah have mercy on him)

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Question:​

What is the ruling on a fasting person talking to or touching a non-mahram woman during the days of Ramadan? This is particularly relevant in contexts such as shops or marketplaces.

Answer:​

Talking to Non-Mahram Women​

1. Permissible Interaction:
   If the conversation is free from suspicion, does not involve enjoyment (lazdhat), and is conducted for legitimate purposes—such as business transactions or asking for directions—then it is permissible. This ruling applies both during Ramadan and outside of Ramadan.
2. Impermissible Interaction:
   If the conversation is for the purpose of deriving pleasure, engaging in flirtation, or other inappropriate intentions, it becomes haram (forbidden). While it is prohibited in all circumstances, the prohibition becomes even more severe during Ramadan due to the sanctity of the month.

Touching a Non-Mahram Woman​

1. Accidental Touch:
   If a man unintentionally touches a non-mahram woman without any deliberate intent, it is permissible, whether in Ramadan or otherwise.
2. Intentional Touch:
   Deliberately touching a non-mahram woman with the intention of enjoyment is strictly prohibited at all times, and this prohibition becomes even more grave during Ramadan, as it undermines the spiritual goals of fasting.

Conclusion:​

• Interaction with non-mahram women must always be limited to necessity and conducted with decorum and respect.
• Any form of interaction intended for enjoyment or leading to inappropriate behavior is haram, and the severity of this prohibition increases during Ramadan due to the month’s sacredness.
• A fasting person must strive to uphold the spirit of fasting by avoiding all actions that could diminish its reward or lead to sin.

Reference:
This ruling aligns with the verdict of Al-Lajnah ad-Da’imah (The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta).