Source: Fatāwā ʿUlamāʾ-e-Ḥadīth, Kitāb al-Ṣalāh, Volume 1
What is the ruling on speaking with a non-maḥram (unrelated member of the opposite gender) via the internet—whether through chat, email, or on a forum? Is it permissible if the conversation is for religious purposes? What about building friendships online with non-maḥram individuals, even if it is for Islamic work or simply to pass time?
If the purpose of the conversation is to seek religious guidance, and it is done with dignity, seriousness, and within the boundaries of Islamic teachings, then such communication is permissible. The Companions (Ṣaḥābah) used to consult Sayyidah ʿĀ’ishah (رضي الله عنها) in matters of religion.
However, if the conversation is for leisure, casual friendship, or entertainment, then interacting with non-maḥram men or women in this manner is impermissible, ḥarām, and strictly prohibited. Without a valid need, this is a futile act that eventually leads to committing ḥarām.
"Dawāʿī ilā al-ḥarām, ḥarām"
That which leads to the forbidden is also forbidden.
Sayyidunā ʿAmr ibn al-ʿĀṣ (رضي الله عنه) reports that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ strictly forbade women from speaking to non-maḥram men without their husband’s permission. In another narration, the Prophet ﷺ strongly condemned sweet or flirtatious speech by women to non-maḥram men, as it may arouse desires and open the door to temptation—harmful to both parties and a cause of divine punishment.
The Qur’ān commands:
﴿وَإِذَا سَأَلْتُمُوهُنَّ مَتَاعًا فَاسْأَلُوهُنَّ مِنْ وَرَاءِ حِجَابٍ﴾
"And when you ask them (the Prophet’s wives) for anything, ask them from behind a curtain."
— Surah al-Aḥzāb: 53
Thus, communication with a non-maḥram should occur only in genuine need, and even then, strict Shar‘ī boundaries must be observed. The woman must avoid soft or flirtatious speech, as such a tone may be misinterpreted by men and lead to sinful behavior.
Today, platforms like chat rooms, forums, and social media often serve as breeding grounds for immodest and impermissible interaction. Some women may begin casual conversations, share songs via telephone, or introduce family members into the chat, spreading sin collectively.
Such actions are clear disobedience and destroy both worldly dignity and the Hereafter. It is the duty of parents to monitor their daughters, not assist them in sin. Friendly chatting, flirtation, or entertainment-based conversation with non-maḥram men—even for a so-called “religious cause”—can gradually lead to major sins such as fornication.
This is why even private phone conversations between non-maḥram men and women are discouraged in Islam, as the third party is the Shayṭān—who sows the seeds of fitnah and transgression.
✔ Conversation with a non-maḥram for genuine religious guidance may be allowed with strict decorum.
✖ Conversation for friendship, fun, or casual talk is prohibited and sinful.
✖ Sweet, flirtatious, or overly casual speech is explicitly forbidden, regardless of the medium.
Let every Muslim woman and man fear Allah, safeguard their modesty, and avoid avenues that lead to sin, no matter how harmless they may initially appear.
❖ Question
What is the ruling on speaking with a non-maḥram (unrelated member of the opposite gender) via the internet—whether through chat, email, or on a forum? Is it permissible if the conversation is for religious purposes? What about building friendships online with non-maḥram individuals, even if it is for Islamic work or simply to pass time?
❖ Answer
If the purpose of the conversation is to seek religious guidance, and it is done with dignity, seriousness, and within the boundaries of Islamic teachings, then such communication is permissible. The Companions (Ṣaḥābah) used to consult Sayyidah ʿĀ’ishah (رضي الله عنها) in matters of religion.
However, if the conversation is for leisure, casual friendship, or entertainment, then interacting with non-maḥram men or women in this manner is impermissible, ḥarām, and strictly prohibited. Without a valid need, this is a futile act that eventually leads to committing ḥarām.
❖ Principle in Islamic Jurisprudence:
"Dawāʿī ilā al-ḥarām, ḥarām"
That which leads to the forbidden is also forbidden.
Sayyidunā ʿAmr ibn al-ʿĀṣ (رضي الله عنه) reports that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ strictly forbade women from speaking to non-maḥram men without their husband’s permission. In another narration, the Prophet ﷺ strongly condemned sweet or flirtatious speech by women to non-maḥram men, as it may arouse desires and open the door to temptation—harmful to both parties and a cause of divine punishment.
The Qur’ān commands:
﴿وَإِذَا سَأَلْتُمُوهُنَّ مَتَاعًا فَاسْأَلُوهُنَّ مِنْ وَرَاءِ حِجَابٍ﴾
"And when you ask them (the Prophet’s wives) for anything, ask them from behind a curtain."
— Surah al-Aḥzāb: 53
Thus, communication with a non-maḥram should occur only in genuine need, and even then, strict Shar‘ī boundaries must be observed. The woman must avoid soft or flirtatious speech, as such a tone may be misinterpreted by men and lead to sinful behavior.
❖ Modern Challenges and Warnings
Today, platforms like chat rooms, forums, and social media often serve as breeding grounds for immodest and impermissible interaction. Some women may begin casual conversations, share songs via telephone, or introduce family members into the chat, spreading sin collectively.
Such actions are clear disobedience and destroy both worldly dignity and the Hereafter. It is the duty of parents to monitor their daughters, not assist them in sin. Friendly chatting, flirtation, or entertainment-based conversation with non-maḥram men—even for a so-called “religious cause”—can gradually lead to major sins such as fornication.
This is why even private phone conversations between non-maḥram men and women are discouraged in Islam, as the third party is the Shayṭān—who sows the seeds of fitnah and transgression.
❖ Conclusion
✔ Conversation with a non-maḥram for genuine religious guidance may be allowed with strict decorum.
✖ Conversation for friendship, fun, or casual talk is prohibited and sinful.
✖ Sweet, flirtatious, or overly casual speech is explicitly forbidden, regardless of the medium.
Let every Muslim woman and man fear Allah, safeguard their modesty, and avoid avenues that lead to sin, no matter how harmless they may initially appear.
