Are men and women allowed to interact together in Islam?

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As society is composed of women and men, their social interactions and communications are inevitable. Emphasizing the concept of decency, Islam has special guidelines for the interactions between members of the opposite sex. Islam, as the religion of moderation, does not allow a free relation, neither severely restricts this interaction, but allows women and men to communicate with good intention. This means that the speech should be direct and both sides should consider the human identity of the other person, not the gender.

Allah says in the Quran: “O wives of the prophet, you are not like any other women, if you observe taqwā (righteousness). So, do not be too soft in your speech, lest someone having disease in his heart should develop fancies (about you); and do speak with appropriate
words.” Al Ahzab (33:32).

Although this verse of the Quran addresses the wives of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who were mostly in old age, it still also applies to all other women, especially young ones. This requires Muslims, specifically women, to use a serious tone of voice and expression when talking to the opposite gender. Otherwise, their sweet words might seduce the person whose heart might be diseased with lust.

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