Praise be to Allaah.
The woman’s voice is not ‘awrah in principle, for women used
to complain to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him),
and ask him about Islamic matters. They also did that with the
Rightly-Guided Khaleefahs (may Allaah be pleased with them) and the rulers
after them. And they would greet non-mahram men with salaams and return
greetings, and none of the imams of Islam denounced them for that. But it is
not permissible for a woman to speak in a soft or alluring voice, because
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women.
If you keep your duty (to Allaah), then be not soft in speech, lest he in
whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy, or evil desire for adultery) should
be moved with desire, but speak in an honourable manner”
[al-Ahzaab 33:32]
because men may be
tempted by that, as is indicated by this aayah. And Allaah is the source of
strength.
From Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah li’l-Buhooth
al-‘Ilmiyyah wa’l-Iftaa, 6/83.
Please also refer to
Question no. 1121, where you will find limits
and guidelines on speaking to non-mahram women. This is an important topic.