Fatwa ID: 04573

Answered by: Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Question

Asalamualaikum, can a Muslim Sunni be friends with a shia (both girls),I mean is it alright to behave properly and follow ikram ul muslimeen with them and offer them Salam? Can we keep them as friends on any social networking site?

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

Answer

There are different degrees in terms of relations between two people or groups.  The first degree of such relations comes from the heart, that of affection and love involving intense emotional commitment.  This is called Muwalat or close friendship.  This sort of friendship is restricted to true Muslims. 

The second degree is that of Muwasat, which means relationships based on sympathy, kindness, and concern.  It includes charitable help and support and any well-meaning attitude of wishing well. 

The third degree is that of Mudarat, which means relations based on adequacy in courtesy, pleasant and friendly behavior, and mannerly politeness. 

The fourth degree is that of Muamalaat or dealings.  (Maariful Quran p.56-59 v.2)

From the aforementioned discussion, we can derive that the second, third, and fourth-degree relationship will be permissible and not the first.

Only Allah Knows Best

Written by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham