Everything in Islam is built on a balance.[1] Both men and women are asked to act within the framework of this balance. In the Qur’an, persons who are eligible to be married in relations with the opposite sex are described as non-mahram, and those who are not suitable for marriage are described with the concept of mahram.[2]
In the verse, men are ordered to avoid what is haram and to protect their chastity, while women are also asked to pay attention to their veiling and protect their chastity in the presence of people other than the mentioned mahram.[3] It is understood from this that according to Islam, even the eyes were asked to be protected from haram; Situations such as shaking hands, hugging, being alone in the same environment between men and women were not accepted. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessing be upon him) took pledge,[4] from those who believed in him holding their hands. Ruqaiqah said, “I came to the Prophet (PBUH) with some other women, to offer our pledge to him. He said to us: ‘(I accept your pledge) with regard to what you are able to do. But I do not shake hands with women.”[5]
In these restrictions of Islam, it is not stated that men and women should never see each other or hear their voices, but it is requested to preserve the measure in the relationship between men and women, and to prevent the possibility of possible temptation and provocation. Regarding the maintenance of social life by paying attention to the measures, there are also examples in the life of the prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He did not leave young and old women who asked him questions unanswered and gave conversations to women’s groups.[6] However, it is forbidden for men and women to be alone in an environment, because of the possibility of misunderstanding and turning to haram. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) drew attention to the seriousness of the issue by saying, “Satan is the third person in an isolated area (khalwah) where there is only a man with a (non-mahram) woman.”[7]
Women are free to meet and talk to men for normal and ordinary needs such as trade, education, travel, social life, after covering their necessary body parts. However, the closeness of men and women in social life; The togetherness (adultery) forbidden by Allah also creates the possibility of creating a beginning for bad desires and plans. Due to these possibilities, it is recommended to be cautious in male-female relations and not to overdo this dialogue.
[1] Al-Baqarah, 143
[2] An-Nur, 30-31
[3] An-Nur, 30-31
[4] Pledge, Recognition of one’s rule, sovereignty
[5] Ahmed Ibn Hanbel, Al- Nasa’I,Ibn Majah
[6] Al-Bukhari, Science,36
[7] Tirmidhi, The Book on Suckling, 16/1171; Ahmed, Volume I,18,26