Website code number
fr21675
Archive code number
46656
Tag
non-Mahram
Summary of question
Is it permissible for a woman to speak to strangers or to let her voice be heard by them? What if this act is neither Islamic, nor within a work framework?
question
Is it permissible for a woman to speak to strangers or to let her voice be heard by them? What if this act is neither Islamic, nor within a work framework?
Concise answer
Speaking excessively and unnecessarily is not good and advisable. All should observe limits in speaking. When it comes to women speaking with strangers, it is also better for them to avoid speaking unnecessarily with strangers, i.e. men outside their families. In any case, what has been forbidden by the Quran is not talking but flirting with men and doing something to attract men as this may lead some greedy and sickly men to fall into a sin.[1] Hence:
1. It is not permissible for women to talk to men outside their families in a flirtatious and enticing manner because it will cause sickly individuals to deviate from the right path.
2. In cases where men are not likely to be attracted to women when talking to them, there is no objection to women speaking in a regular and normal (natural) tone, regardless of whether the speaking is necessary or unnecessary.
3. Nevertheless, it is better for every individual to reduce his unnecessary talks to the least possible extent. And it is befitting for ladies also to act upon this general moral advice while speaking to strangers.
1. It is not permissible for women to talk to men outside their families in a flirtatious and enticing manner because it will cause sickly individuals to deviate from the right path.
2. In cases where men are not likely to be attracted to women when talking to them, there is no objection to women speaking in a regular and normal (natural) tone, regardless of whether the speaking is necessary or unnecessary.
3. Nevertheless, it is better for every individual to reduce his unnecessary talks to the least possible extent. And it is befitting for ladies also to act upon this general moral advice while speaking to strangers.
[1] Al-Ahzab, 32, «فَلا تَخْضَعْنَ بِالْقَوْلِ فَيَطْمَعَ الَّذي في قَلْبِهِ مَرَضٌ وَ قُلْنَ قَوْلاً مَعْرُوفا» Then be not soft in (your) speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease yearn; and speak a good word.