Friends who are Non-Muslims
Youths
Asked on 22nd October 2022
Question
Assalamu Alaikum Sheikh, I wanted to ask a question many of us can relate to.
Is having friends who are girls or boys non-muslims haram?
Answer
Wa'alaykumsalaam wa rahmatullah
Having non-Mahram friends from the opposite gender is not allowed, whether it is over the phone, chatting on the Internet, or face-to-face meetings, or any other prohibited means of communication between a man and a woman.
Allāh says in Sūrah an-Nisa verse 25:
“…. and give them their Mahr according to what is reasonable; they should be chaste, not adulterous, nor taking boy-friends…”
Allāh also says:
“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze, and protect their private parts . That is purer for them. Verily, Allah is All-Aware of what they do.” (Sūrah an-Nur:30)
The Messenger of Allāh (May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
‘A man should not seclude himself with a woman except that there be with her someone who is of unmarriageable kin (mahram).’” (Muslim Hadith No.1341)
The only contact that can be allowed between a man and a woman is to speak when there is a necessity and in a place open to all people, without suspicion or desire, and without contact, closeness, handshake, or anything more. This necessity of communication can be due to education e.g. speaking to the teacher, work, or an official matter.
Allah knows best
Having non-Mahram friends from the opposite gender is not allowed, whether it is over the phone, chatting on the Internet, or face-to-face meetings, or any other prohibited means of communication between a man and a woman.
Allāh says in Sūrah an-Nisa verse 25:
“…. and give them their Mahr according to what is reasonable; they should be chaste, not adulterous, nor taking boy-friends…”
Allāh also says:
“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze, and protect their private parts . That is purer for them. Verily, Allah is All-Aware of what they do.” (Sūrah an-Nur:30)
The Messenger of Allāh (May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
‘A man should not seclude himself with a woman except that there be with her someone who is of unmarriageable kin (mahram).’” (Muslim Hadith No.1341)
The only contact that can be allowed between a man and a woman is to speak when there is a necessity and in a place open to all people, without suspicion or desire, and without contact, closeness, handshake, or anything more. This necessity of communication can be due to education e.g. speaking to the teacher, work, or an official matter.
Allah knows best