As-salamu alaykum. Is it permissible for Muslim women to write letters to Muslim men who are held in prisons in non-Muslim countries (sometimes in solitary confinement) in order to raise their eeman and keep their spirits high at a difficult time? Some sisters are claiming that it is necessary for them to do this even though these brothers in prison may be married (as may the sisters themselves) since there are not enough men writing letters to these prisoners. It is well-documented that women (including Muslim women) may become infatuated with male prisoners by writing letters to them especially if the men write back. What is the Islamic ruling on this issue and does the issue of infatuation have any bearing on the ruling? If it is permissible to write these letters, are there any Islamic guidelines regarding the content? Jazakallah khayr.

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

First of all, you should know dear brother that the temptation of women is the worst thing that affect a man. The Prophet said: "I have not left after me any temptation which is more harmful to men than that of women." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] Furthermore, the Prophet said: "Fear this worldly life and fear Allaah with regards to women, as the first temptation for the children of Israel was through women." [Muslim]

We have already issued Fatwa 84874 clarifying the ruling on the relationship between a man and a marriageable woman outside marriage, so please refer to it.

Since, it is confirmed that women could be tempted by male prisoners because of those letters, or that men could be tempted by them, then we do not see any valid reason for writing such letters. The illusion about the benefits which these letters may have are of no religious value in comparison to the disadvantages which they may lead to. Indeed, among the Islamic rulings is that repelling harm comes in priority over achieving benefits.