Adapted from the book 500 Questions and Answers for Women, comprising the verdicts of the Scholars of the Two Holy Mosques; translated by Hafiz Abdullah Saleem.
Question:
Is it permissible to visit an elderly, sick woman, shake hands with her, or be in seclusion with her?
On the surface, it might seem that visiting an elderly and sick woman, shaking hands with her, or sitting alone in her company could be considered permissible due to her age and condition. However, to fully address this question, we must reflect upon a well-known Arab proverb that says:
"لكل ساقطة في الحي لاقطة"
“For every fallen item in the town, there is someone to pick it up.”
This implies that temptation can exist in even the least expected situations, and no one is entirely free from desire or risk of mischief, regardless of the age or condition of the individuals involved.
Therefore, avoiding the visit, refraining from shaking hands, and avoiding seclusion (khalwah) with a non-mahram elderly woman—no matter how aged or ill she may be—is the more cautious and prudent approach.
This ruling is affirmed by Shaykh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah bin Baz (رحمه الله), highlighting the importance of staying away from all means that may potentially lead to sin or fitnah.
Even when dealing with an elderly and sick non-mahram woman, Islam recommends caution and discourages physical contact or private interaction. Upholding the boundaries set by Shari’ah is always the best path, as temptation and wrongdoing are not limited by age or appearance. It is safer and more virtuous to avoid such interactions altogether.
✿ Ruling on Meeting and Handshaking with an Elderly, Sick Woman
Question:
Is it permissible to visit an elderly, sick woman, shake hands with her, or be in seclusion with her?
✿ Answer:
On the surface, it might seem that visiting an elderly and sick woman, shaking hands with her, or sitting alone in her company could be considered permissible due to her age and condition. However, to fully address this question, we must reflect upon a well-known Arab proverb that says:
"لكل ساقطة في الحي لاقطة"
“For every fallen item in the town, there is someone to pick it up.”
This implies that temptation can exist in even the least expected situations, and no one is entirely free from desire or risk of mischief, regardless of the age or condition of the individuals involved.
Therefore, avoiding the visit, refraining from shaking hands, and avoiding seclusion (khalwah) with a non-mahram elderly woman—no matter how aged or ill she may be—is the more cautious and prudent approach.
This ruling is affirmed by Shaykh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah bin Baz (رحمه الله), highlighting the importance of staying away from all means that may potentially lead to sin or fitnah.
✿ Conclusion:
Even when dealing with an elderly and sick non-mahram woman, Islam recommends caution and discourages physical contact or private interaction. Upholding the boundaries set by Shari’ah is always the best path, as temptation and wrongdoing are not limited by age or appearance. It is safer and more virtuous to avoid such interactions altogether.
