Islam not only forbids unlawful sexual intercourse, it also forbids all the means that might lead to it, such as:
• Looking at women: If the eye conveys that which Allah The Almighty has made permissible for it to view, then the heart is protected from trials. However, if the eye conveys that which Allah The Almighty has prohibited, such as images of women and pornography, then the heart becomes sick and the person is afflicted with the ailment of gazing at women. For this reason, Allah The Almighty has prohibited looking at women and immediately followed this prohibition by commanding people to protect their private parts; this is in fact a confirmation of the fact that looking at impermissible things is a precursor to fornication and adultery. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {"Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts). That is purer for them. Verily, Allah is All-Aware of what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts and not to show off their adornment except that which is apparent (like eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands or dress like veil, gloves)."} [Quran, 24: 30-31]
• Intermixing between men and women, and men being in seclusion with women: The reason behind this prohibition is that it could lead to the establishment of illicit relationships between men and women that usually end up with them committing fornication or adultery. The Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “Whenever a man is alone with a woman, Satan is the third in their company.” [At-Tirmithi]
This is by no means an accusation of being unable to control one's desires, rather, it is a reference to the natural inclination between them. It is also a warning that this inclination could transgress Allah's limits and result in fornication or adultery due to the prohibited act of being alone and with the influence of Satan.
Some ignorant people object to this Hadeeth (narration) claiming that even if Satan was the third, their conscience would be the fourth! They forget, or pretend to, that the temptation of women can outstrip the effect of the conscience, the mind, one's chastity and even one's religion; and that for every one person who can control himself when alone with a marriageable woman, there are thousands who cannot.
If one analyses the causes behind the widespread incidents of rape in the West, which are in the millions, one will discover that very many of them resulted from men and women being alone together, and this is most common in those countries which are the most open sexually.
Intermixing is a dangerous practice which many people indulge in under the guise of being civilized and up-to-date with the new developments of the century, as well as the claimed equal rights of men and women. This practice has removed bashfulness from the hearts of men and women; it is a way by which Satan corrupts the hearts, incites sexual desires and entices people to commit prohibitions. Indeed, many cases of betrayal and subsequent divorce are due to intermixing between men and women.
• Limiting women in the extent to which they are allowed to leave their homes: Islam has commanded Muslim women to remain in their homes and to cover up in front of unrelated men and clarified that this is perfect chastity, complete virtue and a purification of the hearts. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {"And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance" (Al-Ahzaab: 33) and: "And when you ask (his wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen, that is purer for your hearts and for their hearts."} [Quran, 33: 53]
Women leaving their home must do so only for necessity and whenever they do go out they must remain within the boundaries set by Islam so that they do not become a target for men who are out to take advantage of them. When a woman goes out for a necessity she must adhere to full Hijab and reveal nothing of her internal or external adornment. She must not wear short, tight, transparent clothes or something with a split which exposes part of her legs. Decorated garments are also prohibited for women as well as garments with wide sleeves which reveal her arms, or any other type of clothing which is attractive and eye-catching. To emphasize this, the Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, even forbade women who wished to perform the act of worship of congregational prayer from attending the Masjid if they were perfumed, by saying: “Any woman who wears perfume should not attend the ‘Ishaa’ prayer (i.e. must remain at home).” [Muslim]
The Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, even forbade women from walking in the middle of walkways so that they would not mix with men. Abu Usayd, may Allah be pleased with him, said that he heard the Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, addressing women while he was leaving the mosque and noticed that men and women had mixed, so he said: “Stay back, you (women) do not have the right to control the middle of the way; but use the sides of the road.” [Abu Daawood] Thereafter, women would walk so close to the walls that their garments would stick to them.
• Forbidding soft talk and tender tones: Immorality is reached through different means; by sight, actions or words. Therefore, Allah The Almighty forbade the believing women from being soft in their speech while talking to men; Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {"O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you keep your duty (to Allah), then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy, or evil desire for adultery) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honourable manner."} [Quran, 33: 32]
Women today slight this issue. In fact, many women intentionally soften their tone whilst talking to men; prolong the conversation and exchange laughter and looks. This is exactly how sinful relationships between men and women are initiated.