What is the ruling on a married man adding women on Facebook, claiming it is for work, knowing that there is no work relationship with some of them, and that he hides his marital status and refuses to block any of them?

Lenience in communication between non-mahram men and women on social media platforms is a cause of fitna (discord/temptation) and exacerbates it. The Prophet, peace be upon him, warned against the fitna of women for men. The Sharia has blocked every path that leads to corruption, and any action that frequently leads to what is forbidden is prohibited, unless there is an overriding legitimate Islamic benefit.

If there is a need for communication, the following safety measures should be taken: 1. A woman should avoid anything that incites, such as displaying her adornments (tabarruj) or speaking in a soft manner that tempts the listener. 2. Communication should be from behind a veil, and her speech should be proper, not submissive, so as not to tempt those with sickness in their hearts. 3. If a man needs to add a woman for a legitimate reason, communication should be public only, avoiding private messages. 4. A man should lower his gaze from women's pictures, and it is preferable for him to display his marital status if he is married, and not hide his account from his wife.

If there is no legitimate need, a man's lenience in communicating with non-mahram women is feared to be a step of Satan, and a Muslim must avoid it. A man adding a woman can open the door to private communication, which is a primary cause of fitna and a step of Satan.

Both men and women must be firm with themselves. If there is a need to add someone, they should take steps to prevent fitna before it occurs.