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All praise is due to Allah, and may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon His Messenger, his family, and his companions.

We apprecaite your interest to understand Islamic rulings. May Allah help you to practise Islam in its full meaning. 

In Islamic teachings, the concept of friendship between a man and a non-mahram woman (someone allowed to be married between) is generally not permissible whether online or offline in the way it is commonly understood today. This is based on several principles and guidelines derived from the Quran and Hadith and its interpretation by eminent scholars. 

Islamic Guidelines on Male-Female Interaction

The concept of friendship between men and women, as commonly perceived in contemporary society, is not allowed in Islam. This kind of relationship often leads to situations that can compromise the principles of modesty and piety. Allah says in the Quran:

"محصنات غير مسافحات ولا متخذات أخدان" (النساء: 25)
"Chaste women, who are neither fornicators nor those who take secret lovers" (Quran 4:25).

Islam emphasizes the importance of avoiding situations that could lead to temptation or inappropriate behaviour. Allah says:

"يا أيها الذين آمنوا لا تتبعوا خطوات الشيطان ومن يتبع خطوات الشيطان فإنه يأمر بالفحشاء والمنكر" (النور: 21)
"O you who have believed, do not follow the footsteps of Satan. And whoever follows the footsteps of Satan, indeed, he enjoins immorality and wrongdoing" (Quran 24:21).

Hadiths on Male-Female Interaction: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of maintaining boundaries between men and women who are not closely related:

• • "لا يخلون رجل بامرأة إلا مع ذي محرم" (متفق عليه)
    "No man should be alone with a woman unless there is a mahram with her" (Sahih Bukhari and Muslim).

  • "ألا لا يخلون رجل بامرأة إلا كان ثالثهما الشيطان" (رواه أحمد والترمذي)
    "Beware! No man should be alone with a woman, but the third among them is Satan" (Ahmad and Tirmidhi).

Private Conversations and Social Media

Private chats on social media between non-mahram men and women, even if they do not constitute physical seclusion (khulwah), are generally discouraged because they can easily lead to fitnah. The nature of these conversations can sometimes result in inappropriate emotional attachment, flirting, or other forms of behavior that are not permissible in Islam.

According to shcolars, for young women who are likely to be desired, it is forbidden to initiate or respond to greetings (salam) from non-mahram men when they are alone. It is disliked for non-mahram men to initiate or respond to the greetings of such women because of the potential for temptation.

Hadith on Interaction and Zina

The hadith narrated by Abu Hurayrah highlights various forms of zina (adultery or fornication) beyond the physical act, emphasizing the importance of avoiding all means that can lead to it:

"Allah has decreed for the son of Adam his share of zina, which he will inevitably get. The zina of the eyes is looking, the zina of the tongue is speaking, the heart wishes and hopes, and the private part confirms that or denies it."
— Narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim. Ahmad added: "And the zina of the ears is listening."

This hadith illustrates that engaging in inappropriate conversations, looking at non-mahram individuals with desire, and listening to their voices in a way that stirs one's desires are all forms of zina. Therefore, private conversations between non-mahram men and women on social media can fall into these categories, making them impermissible.

Blocking the Means to Fitnah

To prevent falling into temptation, Islamic teachings advocate for avoiding situations that can lead to inappropriate behavior. This includes:

• Avoiding private conversations with non-mahram individuals.
• Refraining from looking at or listening to non-mahram individuals in a manner that stirs desire.
• Maintaining modesty in speech and behavior during necessary interactions.

Permissible Interactions with Conditions

However, it is permissible for men and women to interact for legitimate needs and within the boundaries of Islamic etiquette. For example, if a man needs to speak to a woman for a specific reason, such as inquiring about her health or other necessary communication, it is allowed as long as the interaction adheres to the principles of modesty and respect. This is supported by the following example:

• Visiting the Sick: The Hadith narrated by Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) illustrates that it is permissible to visit and inquire about the health of the opposite gender within appropriate limits:

  "دخلت عليهما فقلت يا أبت كيف تجدك ويا بلال كيف تجدك" (رواه البخاري)
  "I entered upon them and said: 'O my father, how do you feel? O Bilal, how do you feel?'" (Sahih Bukhari).

• Visiting the Righteous: Another Hadith shows that visiting and talking to righteous women is permissible if done respectfully:

  "قال أبو بكر لعمر انطلق بنا إلى أم أيمن نزورها كما كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يزورها" (رواه مسلم)
  "Abu Bakr said to Umar after the death of the Prophet (peace be upon him): 'Let us go to Umm Ayman and visit her as the Prophet used to visit her'" (Sahih Muslim).

  Imam Nawawi said: "This includes visiting righteous people and its virtue... and the visit of a group of men to a righteous woman and listening to her speech."

In conclusion, while unrestricted friendships between men and women are not allowed in Islam whether it is online or offline, necessary interactions with adherence to Islamic guidelines and etiquette are permissible for permitted reasons. It is crucial to maintain modesty, avoid seclusion, and ensure that such interactions do not lead to temptation or inappropriate behaviour.