Interaction With the Opposite Gender

CategoriesWomen's Issues [280]

Fatwa ID: 04718

Answered by: Mufti Eunus Ali

 

Question:

 

Assalamualaikum, I have some sisters elder than me on Facebook. I talk her about religion, health only, it’s permissible in Islam? if no then why?

 

 

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

 

Answer:

 

Ibn ‘Abbas (Allah be pleased with them) has reported: I heard Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) delivering a sermon and making this observation:” No person should be alone with a woman except when there is a Mahram with her, and the woman should not undertake journey except with a Mahram.” A person stood up and said: Allah’s Messenger, my wife has set out for pilgrimage, whereas I am enlisted to fight in such and such battle, whereupon he said:” You go and perform Hajj with your wife.”[1]

 

Ibn ‘Umar narrated: “‘Umar delivered a Khutbah to us at Al-Jabiyah. He said: ‘O you people! Indeed I have stood among you as the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) stood among us, and he said: “I order you (to stick to) my Companions, then those who come after them, then those who come after them.

Lying will spread until a man will take an oath when no oath was sought from him, and a witness will testify when his testimony was not sought.

Behold! A man is not alone with a woman but the third of them is Ash-Shaitan. Adhere to the Jama’ah, beware of separation, for indeed Ash-Shaitan is with one, and he is further away from two.

Whoever wants the best place in Paradise then let him stick to the Jama’ah. Whoever rejoices with his good deeds and grieves over his evil deeds, then that is the believer among you.'”[2]

 

We learn from the above two Ahadith that the interaction between the opposite sexes when they are not mahram to each other and there is no genuine need needs to be avoided and kept to a minimum. If there is a genuine need to interact with the opposite gender, one may do so to the extent of the need and no more than that.

 

In regards to your question, although you may not be in the physical presence of the sister it remains contrary to the essence and the teachings of the above Ahadith as Shaitan will make an effort to lead on to sinful things.

 

If the sister requires assistance in regards to Islam she may refer to the local scholars and possibly female scholars if there are any available in the locality. Likewise, she may consult Islamic books and literature. As for medical and health issues, she may consult a doctor.

 

 

Only Allah knows best

Written by Mufti Eunus Ali

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham

 

 

 

[1] Saheeh Muslim: 1341

[2] Sunan At-Tirmidhi: 2165

 

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