Some women engage in unnecessary conversation with the seller; what is the ruling on that?

The questioner : He says: O esteemed Shaykh, some women engage in unnecessary conversation with the seller. What is the ruling on that?

The Shaykh : It is not permissible for a woman to engage in unnecessary conversation with a man who is not a mahram (a relative one may not marry) to her, because that leads to fitnah (trial, discord or temptation). And Allah (Blessed and Exalted is He) said: . She should address the seller only to the extent of necessity. She should not go beyond this, because Satan flows through the son of Adam like blood. How many women say that they are far from fitnah, yet Satan continues with them until he leads them into it. Perhaps when she leaves the man she spoke with, having said more than she needed, Satan may put thoughts in her mind to return to the first man, the first man. And the beginning of such speech is sparks, and its end is a blazing fire, may Allah protect us from that. So women should fear Allah, and not be soft in speech, and not talk much except for a need. And among that—and it is a clear trial, indeed a great trial—is what happens via the telephone. For many fools call any number, any number they dial, and a woman answers them. He offers her sweet words and draws her in again and again. Then he records the conversation between him and her. This is the problem. That is, he will not leave her; he will place a net over her that moves with her. He records what passes between her and him. Then when he wants the shameful act, he says to her: either you do it, or listen to your voice; I will give it to your son, or your brother, or your father, or your brother, or someone else. Therefore, women should beware of continuing conversations with men, for it is a danger, a great danger. We ask Allah for safety from fitnah. Yes.