Fatwa ID: 02469

Answered by: Mufti Eunus Ali

Question:

As salamu alaykum what is the definition of Khalwah Bil Ajnabiyyah?

Jazak Allah Khayr

Answer

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

The Prophet (peace be upon Him) has stated: Behold! A man is not alone with a woman but the third of them is Ash-Shaitan.[1]

In the explanation of the above Hadith the scholars have stated that the woman referred to in the above Hadith is an Ajnabiyyah.

The meaning of this is to be in seclusion with a woman to whom one is permitted to marry (however has not married) in which case Shaitan will also be present encouraging the two to engage in unlawful and sinful acts.[2]

The Prophet is warning us to avoid such situations in order to save ourselves from sin.

Only Allah knows best

Written by Mufti Eunus Ali

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham