What is the ruling of Islamic law regarding a girl conversing with a young man online under the pretext of marriage, and is what is forbidden confined solely tozina, with an explanation of what is meant by the forbidden "softening of speech"?

It appears that this man is tempted, judging by his words. And one of the greatest calamities is for temptation to come from the person in charge of the religious department. It was reported that Umar said to Ziyad: "Do you know what demolishes Islam? The slip of a scholar, the disputation of a hypocrite with the Qur'an, and misguided leaders."

Dealing with the subject of the question requires knowledge of human nature and their love for desires, and knowledge of the nature of Satan and that he does not achieve his goal all at once, but in steps. Therefore, we find that the Qur'an does not prohibit immoral acts but prohibits approaching them, as Allah says: "And do not approach immoralities - what is apparent of them and what is concealed." (Al-An'am: 151). Thus, the Sharia did not remain silent about such matters; rather, they are forbidden in themselves and for what other prohibitions they may lead to. The principle of "blocking the means" (sadd al-dhara'i') prohibits what appears permissible but leads to a forbidden act, by cutting off the means to corruption, even if it is from a distance, such as the story of Nasr ibn Hajjaj with the Commander of the Faithful Umar ibn al-Khattab.

It has been established that the women of the Ummah follow the wives of the Prophet (peace be upon him) in adopting the etiquettes mentioned in Surat Al-Ahzab, including Allah's saying: "Then do not be soft in speech [to men], lest he in whose heart is disease should covet." (Al-Ahzab: 32). As for deriving a ruling from the non-possessors of desire among the followers, it is incorrect; because their ruling pertains to seeing women's adornment, not to showing them affection. And its implication is that others have a different ruling, as in the story of the man who was considered among the non-possessors of desire, yet the Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade his entry to women when it became clear that he was a means for others to fall into temptation. Likewise, the hadith of Sahl ibn Sa'd in the story of Abu Usayd's wedding does not carry the meaning of forbidden affection; rather, it is the wife's honoring her husband's guests in safety from temptation.