Are romantic relationships between young men and women forbidden? And is mere admiration, without establishing a relationship, considered forbidden? And does speaking with colleagues in the department lead to sin? And is it true that passionate love existed during the time of the Messenger, may Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him?

Love relationships between young men and women are not condoned by Islamic law. They are an intrusive call from Western customs and cultures of decadence, leading to the violation of honor and the commission of forbidden acts. Islam has protected women and preserved their dignity. Islamic law has taken precautions in the relationship between a man and an unrelated woman by prohibiting seclusion (khalwa), forbidding unnecessary speech, and enjoining the lowering of the gaze. It has also legislated legal marriage as the purest path for a relationship between them. There is no blame for a heartfelt inclination as long as it does not lead to forbidden acts, but indulging in it may lead to passionate love (ishq) that corrupts hearts. A Muslim must beware of bad female companions who invite to evil, accompany righteous women, and occupy themselves with what benefits them in their religion and their worldly life.