Understanding the Islamic Perspective on Communication with Non-Mahram Individuals

Is Messaging a Non-Mahram Considered Adultery? An Islamic Perspective

Question: If a married woman talks to a non-mahram (someone she can marry) via messages, does this count as immorality and adultery in today’s context? Should she be confined to her home as per Surah An-Nisa, Ayah 15, or should she be killed as per Surah An-Nur? What is the ruling if she realizes her mistake and wants to repent?

Answer: If a married woman talks to a non-mahram via messages out of necessity, this act is permissible in light of Shariah. However, if a woman engages in inappropriate love, romance, and obscene conversations with a non-mahram man through chat, it is not considered adultery (zina) but is akin to it. As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Allah has written for the son of Adam his share of adultery which he commits inevitably. The adultery of the eye is looking, the adultery of the tongue is speaking, the soul desires and wishes, and the private parts confirm or deny that.” (Bukhari: 5889)

If a woman writes obscene messages, it is considered the adultery of the hand, but it is not the type of adultery that warrants the hadd (fixed punishment) or stoning. It is a form of indecency and a major sin, and it is blameworthy and condemnable. If the woman realizes her mistake and sincerely repents to Allah, her repentance will be sufficient for her sin, Insha’Allah.

 Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi (may Allah preserve him)

❪Jeddah Dawah Center, Hayy Al-Salamah – Saudi Arabia❫