The Ruling on Speaking with a Non-Mahram Woman

Question:
Our brother Abdulrahim Abdullah from Khartoum in Sudan asks: What is the ruling on speaking with a non-mahram woman? Is it permissible to speak with her in the presence of her mahram? Please provide the evidence. May Allah reward you with good.

Answer:
There is no harm in speaking with a woman, provided there is no suspicion and no seclusion. The women used to speak with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and with the Companions, asking questions and seeking legal rulings, and there is no harm in that. However, if there are causes of fitnah (trial, discord or temptation), such as her being uncovered, or if the matters concern intercourse, or other causes of fitnah, then it is not permissible. It is also not permissible with seclusion; a non-mahram man should not speak with her in a way that causes fitnah or inclines her toward sin, and he must not be alone with her, even to teach her the Qur'an or to teach her; he must not be alone with her. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: .
Therefore, it is obligatory for men and women to be cautious in this regard, and seclusion is forbidden for all. However, if a third person is present and there is no suspicion, the seclusion is removed. If he speaks with her in the presence of her brother, or her mother, or her father, or another woman, or another man, the seclusion is removed, on the condition that the conversation is far from evil and fitnah (trial, discord or temptation), such as greetings, asking about knowledge, asking about her children, or asking about matters related to her needs; there is nothing wrong with that. As for speaking about something that causes fitnah (trial, discord or temptation), this is not permissible, neither with her alone nor with others present; because it is obligatory for the believer to be cautious of the causes of fitnah (trial, discord or temptation). Yes.

The presenter: May Allah reward you with good.