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Is it permissible for a young man, knowledgeable in religious matters and engaged in da'wah (preaching/inviting to Islam), to behave naturally with girls and befriend them, to seclude himself with them for hours on the phone or chat, or to go out with them, and if one of them expresses admiration for him, he says, "I didn't intend anything, I'm just being myself, and if someone misunderstands me, that's not my fault," knowing that Islam regulates human behavior and holds individuals accountable for their actions, words, and gazes, and that Allah Almighty says: "Then do not be soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is disease should covet" and "And when you ask them for something, ask them from behind a partition; that is purer for your hearts and their hearts"? And will Allah not hold him accountable if he causes emotional hurt to a girl because of his misleading words or actions? And will Allah hold a man accountable in the same way? And does doing any of this displease Allah and incur sin upon its doer?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

A preacher and a student of knowledge must avoid doubtful matters and temptations, especially the temptation of women. They must lower their gaze and guard their chastity, in obedience to Allah's command.

The Shari'ah has established rulings and controls for the relationship between a man and an unmarriageable woman (ajnabiyyah) to ensure chastity and protect honor. These include the impermissibility of looking, being in seclusion (khalwa), or extensive conversation unless there is a recognized need, while adhering to the Shari'ah's etiquette, modesty, lowering the gaze, and not speaking in a soft or alluring manner.

A Muslim woman should restrain her emotions and not succumb to negative thoughts that could lead to temptation. She should also strive to associate with virtuous female callers to Islam (da'iyat).

As for online or phone communication between unmarriageable individuals, it is permissible if it is for good and for teaching, provided that Islamic guidelines are adhered to. However, it is forbidden if it leads to speaking in a soft or alluring manner, engaging in suspicious conversations, looking at what is impermissible, or inciting temptation, because the means take the ruling of their ends.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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