Is it forbidden to communicate with married female colleagues via social media to check on their general well-being and to get to know their families?

The basic principle regarding communication between the two genders is prohibition, except for a necessity related to work or study, while observing the Sharia (definition)-compliant controls such as safety from temptation (fitna), absence of lust, avoiding unlawful glances, and not softening one's speech. This is based on the Almighty's saying: {Beautified for people is the love of desires, from women}, and His saying: {O you who have believed, do not follow the footsteps of Satan}, and the saying of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him: "I have not left behind me a temptation more harmful to men than women," and "Beware of the world and beware of women." Therefore, communication via phone or online is often a cause for temptation, especially if it is with female colleagues from study or work, and extends to family matters, leading to more leniency. Merely asking about their well-being does not fall under the permissible necessity.