Is a married woman's speaking with a strange man, without lust or necessity, considered marital betrayal?
A woman's speech with a non-mahram man, whether in greeting, returning a greeting, or inquiring about her needs, is permissible if it is devoid of submissiveness in speech and free from causes of temptation and suspicion. However, she should not indulge in it unnecessarily, as it might be an opening for Satan, who lures the son of Adam into sin. Allah Almighty says: "O you who have believed, do not follow the footsteps of Satan. And whoever follows the footsteps of Satan - indeed, he enjoins immorality and wrongdoing." (An-Nur: 21). Particular caution is required for a young woman, as the causes of temptation are greater, and jurists have strictly prohibited speaking with her. If the husband does not approve of her speaking to a non-mahram, she is not permitted to speak with him, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "And you have a right over them that they should not allow anyone into your beds whom you dislike." Al-Khattabi said: "Its meaning is that they should not permit any man to enter and speak with them." Indeed, speaking with women and sitting with them was prohibited after the revelation of the verse of hijab.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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