What is the ruling on the relationship between a young man and a young woman via social media before marriage, and what should be done to temporarily sever this relationship while continuing to follow up to ensure their studies are going well, and is it permissible for them to think of and pray for each other and exchange social media account passwords?

A man's conversation with a non-mahram woman is permissible when there is a need, provided that Islamic etiquette is observed and anything that could lead to temptation is avoided, such as speaking alluringly. This is based on the Almighty's saying: "So do not be soft in speech [to men], lest he in whose heart is disease should covet, but speak with appropriate speech." (Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:32). If the conversation is out of necessity and neither party transgresses the limits of Sharia, there is no harm. However, it can be a slippery slope to sin if two hearts become attached. Therefore, jurists have emphasized caution in this regard. It is advised to avoid any private communication and to suffice with what is publicly published. There is no harm in supplication and contemplation without over-indulgence. It is also recommended to hasten to marriage to extinguish infatuation and bring peace to the soul.