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The question

Is a man's conversation with a woman via social media considered a "khalwa" (private seclusion between a man and a woman who are not close relatives)?

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Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 20261 min readAlso available in العربية
The answer

Prohibited (private seclusion) refers to the physical seclusion of bodies. The reason for its prohibition is that it is a potential cause for falling into the unlawful and for empowering Satan to whisper evil suggestions. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "No man is alone with a woman but the third of them is Satan." While a man's conversation with a non- woman via social media may not be the khalwa that is explicitly prohibited, it is nevertheless forbidden due to the potential for fitna (temptation, discord) and the likelihood of corruption, because anything that leads to fitna is impermissible. Furthermore, the texts of revelation have consistently prohibited deriving pleasure from a non-mahram woman, enjoying her voice, and looking at her, considering this a type of zina (fornication/adultery). Therefore, Muslim men and women must avoid such communication unless there is an overwhelming religious benefit or a legitimate worldly need, and the conversation should be limited only to what is necessary.

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Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.

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Ftawy
Original fatwa ID
29266
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. This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
Text
Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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Read the full answer on Ftawy