THE DAILY ISLAMIC REMINDERS. Yaum al-ithnayn 12th day of Shawwal (Monday 24th May 2021).

CAN A MAN AND A WOMAN TALK IN PRIVATE ON THE INTERNET TO GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER FOR THE SAKE OF MARRIAGE?. BismilLah.

Our learned Imams have said that, a relationship between a man and woman should be controlled by Sharia. In other words, it is Haram for a man/woman to have a relationship outside marriage. This is a well documented fact I'm sure every Muslim knows. A Muslim man/woman should not speak or write to the opposite sex as long as there is no need. In case of need to such a relationship, they (man and woman) should be governed by Sharia limitations and teaching morals and good behaviour so that they avoid any form of temptation.

In this vein, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) warned us from the woman's temptation saying: "I am not leaving behind a more harmful trial (cause of mischief) for men than women" [Reported by Imams al-Bukhari and Muslim]. The Satan entices one to commit mistakes. So, a Muslim has to be careful of him.

ALLAH Says: "O you who believe! Follow not the footsteps of Shaitân (Satan). And whosoever follows the footsteps of Shaitân (Satan), then, verily he commands Al-Fahshâ' [i.e. to commit indecency (illegal sexual intercourse, etc.)], and Al-Munkar [disbelief and polytheism (i.e. to do evil and wicked deeds; to speak or to do what is forbidden in Islâm, etc.)]. …} [24: 21].

So whoever wants to marry has to seek information about the one whom he/she is going to marry, about his/her morals, family and especially about his/her adherence to religious practices. Here, we state one cannot obtain such information and knowledge by Internet or anything like that (letter/phone). Don't make a mistake to trust what the person you intend marrying tells you. Research about him or her without their knowledge and base your findings to decide to marry them. That's the shariah way. If you cannot find a means to research about him or her, then abandon your plans of marrying him or her please. 

Therefore, woman's/man's talking on the Interest is not allowed since he/she is an alien and this leads to temptation and makes people have doubts about your intentions. So, the best and safest way is to speak with her guardians about your interest, or you may send one of your female relatives to learn if she accepts you as her future husband. We ask ALLAH to save us from committing misdeeds and to help us avoid devilish temptations. Aameen.