Islam has introduced marriage as its answer to the needs of men and women, forbidding all other types of sexual relationship between the two genders, let it be intimate speaking, touching and caressing etc.; all of these can only happen after the marriage formula has been executed. Even a boy and girl who are fiancés and are planning to get married in the future, but haven't actually carried out the marriage formula cannot take lustful pleasures in each other, even if it is only limited to intimate speech.[1]

According to Islam, the sexual needs of a man and a woman should be fulfilled within the framework of Shari'ah rules. Most of the grand jurists say that a marriage contract with a virgin girl will not be valid unless her father or paternal grandfather gives permission.[2]

The question which may arise is whether or not it is permissible to have an ordinary relation with a person from the opposite gender. With this question in mind, we will now look at the answers given to some relevant questions by some of the grand jurists:

Question 1: When it comes to a man's conversation with a non-mahram woman, does it make any difference whether he talks to her directly or through telephone or other means?

All grand jurists: No, it does not make any difference; in both cases, if his intention is to seek pleasure and it is feared that he might fall into a sin, there is problem.[3]

Question 2: What is the Islamic law on chatting with a non-Mahram keeping in view that they discuss only ordinary topics?

All grand jurists: If it is feared that their conversation may entail evil and they may end up falling in a sin, it is not permissible.[4]

Question 3: Is it is permissible for a man to greet a non-Mahram woman or vice-versa?

All grand jurists: If one greets a non-mahram individual and he/she does not intend to seek pleasure and he/she is not likely to fall into a sin, there is no problem.[5]

Question 4: What is the ruling on jesting with a non-mahram?

All grand jurists: If a person's intention is to derive sexual pleasure or if it is feared that he will fall into a sin, it is not permissible.[6]

Question 5: Is it permissible for a man to have a friendly relation with a female colleague?

All grand jurists: Friendship between a girl and a boy is not allowed; because they are likely to fall into a sin. However, work-related communication or relation that does not lead them to a sin and which are in accordance with Shari'ah standards is allowed and there is no problem in it.[7]

Question 6: What does Islam say about expressing love and affection to a girl through email? Is it haram for him to send a love message to her?

 All grand jurists: It is not permissible to send a message that creates fitna (mischief) and paves way for sinning.[8]

It can be concluded from the above that any form of relationship before marriage, let it be speaking intimately, touching and caressing etc. is haram. If one speaks with a girl with the intention of seeking pleasure or if he fears that he might fall into a sin with her, it is not permissible for him to speak with her.[9] It does not make any difference whether he inform her parents or not. However, if you are seriously intending to marry a girl, and you want to speak with her without having the intention to seek pleasure and you are not also likely to fall into a sin, there would be no problem in your speaking with her.

For further information in this regard, kindly refer to the following indexes:

1. Question 717 (Having a relationship with a non-mahram (stranger) before marriage).

2. Question 1219 (Chatting between a boy and a girl).