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What is the etiquette of talking to women in general and in the following situations: buying and selling; teaching and learning; meetings to discuss work, such as explaining something specific to her?
What is the ruling on lowering the gaze in these situations? When is it permissible to look at women in general? I hope that you can explain in full detail.
Praise be to Allah.
Speaking to non-mahram women may occur because of a need or it may occur needlessly. If it is done needlessly and only for fun and enjoyment, then there is no doubt that it is haram and comes under the heading of the zina of the tongue and ears of which the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) spoke when he said:
“The son of Adam’s share of zina has been decreed for him, which he will inevitably get. The zina of the eyes is looking, the zina of the ears is listening, the zina of the tongue is speaking, the zina of the hands is touching, and the zina of the foot is walking. The heart longs and wishes, and the private part confirms that or denies it.” (Narrated by Muslim, 2657)
When there is a need to speak to a woman , the basic principle is that it is permissible, but it is essential to pay attention to the following etiquette:
Safwan ibn al-Mu‘attal al-Sulami al-Dhakwani was behind the army and had set out at the end of night. In the morning he reached the place where I was and he saw the shape of a person sleeping. He recognized me when he saw me, as he used to see me before the hijab was enjoined. I woke up when I heard him saying Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raaji’un (Verily to Allah we belong and verily unto Him is our return) when he recognized me, and I covered my face with my jilbab. By Allah, we did not exchange a word and I did not hear any word from him apart from his saying Inna Lillahi… He made his camel kneel down and put his foot on its foreleg (to keep it steady), then I mounted it, and he set off, leading me on the mount, until we came to the army. Narrated by al-Bukhari, 4141 and Muslim, 2770.
Al-‘Iraqi (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
“The phrase “and I did not hear any word from him” is not repeating the previous idea (“we did not exchange a word”). It is possible that he did not speak to her; rather he spoke to himself or he recited Quran out loud or said dhikr out loud such that it could be heard. But none of that happened. He did not speak to her; rather he used silence in that situation out of good manners and politeness, and because of the seriousness of the situation in which he found himself.
This hadith also shows good manners with non-mahram women , especially in the case of being alone with them out of necessity in the wilderness or elsewhere, as Safwan did when he made his camel kneel without speaking or asking questions.” (Tarh at-Tathrib, 8/53)
Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
“None of the poets see anything wrong with talking to, addressing or looking at non-mahram women , but this is contrary to Islam and common sense, and it is exposing oneself to temptation. How many people have been affected in this way with regard to their religious commitment and worldly affairs.” (Rawdat al-Muhibbin, p. 88)
For more, please see this category: Manners of Speaking with Women
And Allah knows best.