Chatting to Woman
Question :

Is it permissible to chat to women on the internet?

Answer :

It is not permissible to communicate with a woman, other than one’s wife, in such a way that arouses sexual desire, even if it was through the internet.

Shaking Hands
Question :

In some societies men and women usually shake hands at work and outside work when they are introduced. Sometimes they even kiss each other or hug each other. This is considered normal practice and if a Muslim does not do it he is seen as anti-social.
In such a situation, may a Muslim man shake hands, kiss or hug a Non-Mahram woman without lust?

Answer :

It is not permissible to do so. Muslims are obligated to implement the teachings of their religion in a respectful and calm way so others may understand their religious duties gradually.

Watching Dramas and Movies
Question :

Is it permissible to watch dramas and movies, where Muslim women normally observe hijab in covering their body and hair, but usually adorn their faces with make-up while they are working with non-mahram men?

Answer :

Looking at them with lust is prohibited.

Photographs
Question :

Is it permissible to have group photographs with female class-fellows who do not wear proper hijab, and doing so does not lead to any sin, the purpose being to have a piece of memory?

Answer :

Yes, it is permissible.

Dating
Question :

In the West dating is very common. Is it acceptable to date a woman if such meetings are arranged under a contract of temporary marriage? For example, if the dower is my payment for dinner or watching a movie, and we confirm a set period for the marriage, is it permissible?

Answer :

Yes, it is permissible, as long as both parties understand this to be a temporary marriage contract.

Quran Recitation
Question :

Is it allowed for women to recite the Holy Quran loudly in the mosque in the presence of men and women?

Answer :

It is better for the women to recite the Quran for the women, while non-mahram men do not hear their voice.

Social Issue
Question :

One intends to go to a fitness center that is mixed. If one has absolutely no intention to look at the women, and if they do appear in view he immediately looks away or ignores them without looking with lust, is there an issue with him attending the fitness center in order to exercise?

Answer :

If visiting such places causes him to fall into committing sins, it is prohibited to be there. Otherwise, it is not prohibited to do so.

Looking at Girl's Picture
Question :

Is it permissible for a man to look at the photo of a girl who he is well-acquainted with, who observes hijab, but is not wearing the hijab in this particular photo?

Answer :

It is permissible to look at the picture without sexual desire. But if looking at her is shameful for her, as she observes the hijab, or is respected in the society, and similar reasons, it is prohibited to look at the photograph even without lust.

Looking at the Face of Woman
Question :

Is it allowed for a man to look at the face of a woman who covers her hair, but she wears make up on her face? What if it is done without the intention of lust and there is no fear of committing sins?

Answer :

It is not permissible for the woman to wear makeup in the presence of non-Mahram men. A man is permitted to look if it was a quick glance and not anything further.

Going out with a Girl
Question :

Am I allowed – as a man – to go out with a girl without a religious relationship, in order to get to know her?

Answer :

Yes, it is permissible to do so provided that it does not lead to a prohibited act, like touching or looking at each other with lust and the like.

Mixed Swimming Pool
Question :

Is it permissible for a man to attend mixed-gender swimming pools, particularly if each individual is swimming in separated tracks back and forth?

Answer :

Swimming for men, in itself, is permissible; however, these places are one of the reasons of falling into committing sins usually, unless the individual attends during the times when women do not attend.

Same Dining Table
Question :

Is it allowed for a woman to sit with her brother-in-law at the same dining table?

Answer :

It is permissible to do so, as long as she is observing the religious hijab.

Nom-Mahram
Question :

Is there any issue if two non-Mahram people drink from the same cup?

Answer :

This is permissible.

Getting to know a Girl
Question :

I am getting to know a girl, who I feel I would like to get married to. However, I would like to get to know her more first. Is she allowed to spend a whole day with me?

Answer :

It is permissible for the man to talk to a non-Mahram woman, but this might encourage him to commit sins, like looking at her with lust and sexual arousal. Spending long periods of time together could lead to social problems, like making people talking about your relationship or the parents of the girl not being pleased with this. For these reasons, we advise you to correspond with her parents in giving you the chance to get to know her in order to avoid falling into such mistakes.

Girlfriends
Question :

At what age am I allowed to have a girlfriend?

Answer :

It is not permissible to have a relation between the male and the female unless there is a religious marriage contract with its specific conditions.

Mixed Swimming Pool
Question :

I would kindly like to know your verdict on going to a mixed gender swimming pool because my Marja doesn't allow it based on an obligatory precaution.

Answer :

Visiting such places is usually associated with prohibited acts like looking at women with prohibited desire. There are many negative effects on adults, as well as on children and youths.
"Whosoever keeps his duty to Allah, Allah will appoint a way out for him". Quran 65:2)

Friendship
Question :

Can I have friendship with a female class fellow?

Answer :

Friendship with the opposite sex may lead to committing sins, so we advise you to stay away from it.

Handshaking
Question :

Is it permissible for me to shake hands with the opposite gender?

Answer :

Handshaking that involves skin contact with a person of opposite sex is prohibited. One can do so with gloves to prevent skin contact.
It is best to apologize for not doing such an action by stating that our religion does not allow it.
Some people who do not understand the religion or do not believe in it might think that this law is disrespectful to women, but this false notion originates from being distanced from the environment of Muslims and not knowing the details of their religion, since the prohibition of hand-shaking is not limited to men but it also includes women as well as they are not permitted to shake men’s hands. It is purely a legislation that could mean – based on our understanding – placing borders between men and women to protect their chasteness and to help in preventing them from falling into prohibited acts.

Not Making Skin Contact
Question :

If I don't make skin contact with a woman, can I put my hand around her coat?

Answer :

If it is without pleasure, then it is permissible. Otherwise, it is not permissible.

Looking at Girl's Picture
Question :

Is it allowed to repeatedly look at the picture of a girl to whom one intends to marry, i.e. his fiancée?

Answer :

It is permissible if it is without sexual lust or enjoyment.