Talking with men about religion

12-1-2002 | IslamWeb

Question:

I want to know if we are allowed to speak with men about religion.

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Answer:

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the World; and blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.

If a Muslim woman needs to gain some Islamic knowledge or to inquire about religious matters then she may ask the Muslim scholars. Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {… so ask the people of the Reminder [Scriptures - the Taurât (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel)] if you do not know.}[21:7].
If she finds Muslim women who can teach her religious matters then it is desirable to ask them, otherwise she may ask Muslim scholars taking into consideration the rules set by the Sharia such as not being soft in speech while asking them, not staying alone with them, and being in complete Hijab. Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {… If you keep your duty (to Allâh), 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].
As for the prohibition of staying alone with an alien woman the Prophet said: "No man ever stays alone with a woman but Satan becomes their third (companion)" [Reported by Imams Tabrani and al-Hakim]. Imam al-Hakim regarded this Hadith Sahih and Imam Zahabi approved it.
As for the ruling of being in complete Hijab while a woman encounters men, Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allâh is Ever Oft­Forgiving, Most Merciful.}[33:59].
Allah also Commands, addressing the wives of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam), and of course the ruling is common for all Muslim women in the Qur'an: {… 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. …}[33:53].
It is also should be kept in mind that the question should be limited to one's necessity.
On the other hand, talking with men without any necessity is not permissible. And it is also prohibited for her to ask or discuss religious matters with ignorant people.
Allah knows best.