Speaking with men

26-11-2001 | IslamWeb

Question:

Is it haram to speak with men?

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Answer:

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions. Almighty Allah says (meanings in English): {O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other woman. 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, etc.) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honourable manner.} [33:32] Ibn Katheer reported from Ibn Zaid, he said in an explanation of this Ayah (verse): ‘Woman should not speak to alien men (those to whom marriage is permissible) in melodious and harmonious voice since this is permitted only to husbands.’ Fuqaha (Jurists) differentiate between the state of women. They believe that a young woman is not like an old one, a pretty woman is not like an ugly one, a mature woman is not like an adolescent one. Other examples, woman’s speaking to a Doctor or a judge in dealing, or to ask a religious question are not the same. If she talks for necessity without suspicion or being soft in speech, then there is no objection; {otherwise, she should talk from before screen. And when you ask (Prophet’s wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen that is purer for your hearts and for their hearts. But, if there is any pressing need to talk without screen, she may talk. Allah knows best.