Chatting with non-mahram individuals on different topics has various rulings, but all religious authorities share the same opinions regarding chatting in virtual spaces.
When the purpose of communicating with a non-mahram is to be drawn toward sin, direct talking with a non-mahram is not much different from indirect talking or chatting. Some people believe that the virtual world is different from real life and that the restrictions of the real world do not apply in cyberspace. According to Islam, in maintaining boundaries when communicating with non-mahram, there is no difference between the real environment and the virtual environment; communication in cyberspace is like private interaction between two non-mahrams. If it is with the intention of pleasure (sexual) or if there is fear of temptation and falling into sin, it is not permissible and is problematic.
However, according to Islamic rulings and texts, if there is no fear of falling into sin and no intention of pleasure in talking with a non-mahram, then there is no problem and it is not forbidden. But in judging fear and intention of pleasure, the most important judge is one's own conscience, which fully knows the condition of oneself.
God says in the Quran:
"And do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:168)
The emergence and dominance of lustful instinct in humans is gradual and stepwise, and Satan reaches his goal through a step-by-step policy.
Religious rulings on chatting with non-mahram in the workplace and joking with the opposite sex
Looking at the answers from the grand religious authorities to some questions makes this clear:
Is there a difference between direct and remote conversations between non-mahram men and women?
All authorities: No, there is no difference in ruling, and in both cases, if there is intention of pleasure and fear of falling into sin, it is problematic. (Ayatollahs Khomeini, Khamenei, Makarem Shirazi, Bahjat, Tabrizi, Nouri Hamadani, Fazel Lankarani, Vahid Khorasani, Safi Golpaygani, Sistani)
Is intimate communication between a girl and a boy during collaboration or a party problematic?
All authorities: Friendship between a girl and a boy is not permissible because of the fear of falling into sin. But professional communication, if it does not cause corruption and religious laws are observed, is not problematic.
What is the ruling on sending SMS to non-mahrams (e.g., greetings), including teachers and relatives? What about sending messages to someone who harasses to stop?
Any contact and communication with a non-mahram that causes corruption is forbidden. Regarding relatives and teachers, if religious guidelines are observed and the conversation is normal and usual, there is no problem. (Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi)
What about chatting with the opposite sex and exchanging ordinary talks?
All authorities: If there is fear of temptation and being drawn to sin, it is not permissible.
What about correspondence with a non-mahram that involves sexual topics via email?
All authorities: Discussing issues that lead to temptation and cause corruption is problematic.
Fatwas by Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi (may his shadow be long)
Contact with non-mahram via SMS
Question: What is the ruling on sending SMS to non-mahram (e.g., congratulations)? What about to teachers and relatives? And sending messages to someone who harasses to prevent continuation?
Answer: Any contact and communication with non-mahram that causes corruption is forbidden. Regarding relatives and teachers, if religious conditions are met and conversation is ordinary, there is no problem.
Talking with non-mahram
Question: I read in a book a narration from one of the Imams (peace be upon them) that talking with non-mahram is only allowed up to five words and only if necessary—is this true?
Answer: Talking in ordinary and normal speech is allowed as long as there is no fear of falling into sin.
Relations between men and women via email
Question: What is the ruling on communication through email about poetry, literature, religion, politics, family, and similar topics between men and women?
Answer: It is not permissible between non-mahrams.
Talking about marriage via the internet
Question: I am a 25-year-old master's student who met a 24-year-old girl at my educational center. I talked to her about marriage. She said she does not intend to marry within a year and already has people she might marry. She does not observe hijab properly. I no longer go to that center, but I am thinking of sending her writings and photos via the internet. If she agrees, I will set conditions like observing hijab and praying, with her full consent, not force. Is internet communication within Islamic bounds and mentioning my good qualities to persuade her acceptable? I like her ethics and some of her thoughts.
Answer: You may talk to her to the necessary extent and need for marriage.
