Limits for Talking to Non-Mahram Women

31-12-2002 | IslamWeb

Question:

A year ago before I change my life and become a good Muslim "Insha Allah", I used to know a girl that I thought I would marry but we weren't able to make it because of our differences that she doesn't believe in God. I don't know what to feel towards her, or how should I talk to her. I think that I should hate her but sometimes I tell myself that the mercy of God is the biggest and who knows, she may believe in Him one day. I tried many times to talk to her about Islam as I am not sure if I was making any sense to her. I want to know if it is Ok to talk to her or not and If yes, how can I help her to the straight path?

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

We ask Allah to help you stay steadfast on your religion.

Know, dear brother, that it is unlawful for you to talk to that woman because the Sharee'ah forbids talking to Non-Mahram women except for a dire necessity that cannot be achieved otherwise. The prohibition is more emphatic in your case as this woman is still young and you have a desire to marry her as you mentioned. In fact, talking to this woman might lead you to looking at her, touching her, etc. and this is firmly prohibited.

Al-Khaadimi (a Muslim scholar) said: “Talking to non-Mahram young women is unlawful as it can lead to temptation.”

Kash-shaaf al-Qinaa' reads: “And if a man greets her; i.e. the young woman, she does not have to reply to him in order to avoid any kind of depravity.”

But, you can call this woman to Islam through your Muslim mother or sister. She can talk to her and tell her about the benefits of Islam and that Islam is the seal of all religions.

Allah knows best.