Fatwa No. 47 — p. 79

Question:

I am a young man who became acquainted with a young woman through Messenger, and we fell in love with one another. Allah is my witness, however, that there was no indecent or vulgar speech between us — nothing beyond the words “I love you.” We spoke with each other by voice only, without video. It then became clear to me that she is eight years older than I am, and I realised that marriage between us would be difficult. Nevertheless, I still love her, and she loves me as well. What is the ruling on our continuing to communicate and speak with one another?

Answer:

Al-ḥamdu lillāhi rabb al-ʿālamīn. To proceed:

Communicating with non-maḥram women (al-nisāʾ al-ajnabiyyāt) via Messenger is among the steps of Shayṭān and his snares by which he hunts his prey. Guard yourself against giving free rein (istirsāl) to this path, and repent to Allah — Glorified and Exalted — for having persisted in it — particularly now that you have discovered her unsuitability for you on account of the age difference.

We ask Allah to suffice you through what He has made lawful such that you have no need of what He has made unlawful, and to grant you a righteous wife through whom your eyes will find comfort. (1)

And Allah Most High knows best.