Islam provides clear guidance on Muslims’ relationships, emphasizing the sanctity of marriage and avoiding sin. Since the fundamental principles of Islam guide Muslims’ lives, the question of whether having a girlfriend is haram arises from that viewpoint.
Having a girlfriend is strictly haram in Islam. According to Islam, relationships outside of marriage (girlfriends or boyfriends) can lead to disobedience, immorality, and erosion of values. Almighty Allah says in the Holy Quran:
“… Wed them with the permission of their own folk and give them their mahr (dowry) according to what is reasonable; they should be chaste, not adulterous, nor taking boyfriends…” [al-Nisa 4:25]
Muslim Life Partner?
Throughout this article, we will explore a deeper understanding of the Islamic perspective on relationships before marriage.
Why Is It Haram to Have a Girlfriend in Islam?
There are several reasons why having a girlfriend is considered haram in Islam, according to the Holy Quran, Hadith, and most Islamic Scholars.
No 1. Violation of Islamic Principles
Islam strongly emphasizes adhering to the Qur’an and Sunnah, which provide clear guidelines on maintaining dignity, purity, and lawful relationships.
Engaging in a girlfriend-boyfriend relationship goes against these fundamental teachings. Islam promotes the concept of innocence and encourages believers to protect their dignity and purity.
Intimacy outside the bounds of marriage is considered a violation of these principles and is seen as a deviation from the path of righteousness. So, if you have a girlfriend, you will violate Islamic principles.
No 2. Desire and Lust as Inherent Risks
Islam says you can’t be close friends with a person who isn’t mahrams or the opposite gender. Often, these friendships lead to haram activities. Engaging in a girlfriend-boyfriend relationship amplifies the inherent risks of desire and lust.
If you have a girlfriend, you may kiss, date, and even have sex, which are all forbidden in Islam. Due to these risks, having a girlfriend isn’t allowed in Islam. It is also haram to have a girlfriend without touching since it is almost impossible to stay away from this act.
In the Qur’an, Allah mentioned that good men and women are those who marry, do not have fornicating relationships and do not have “paramours” or Akhdan. [An-Nisaa’ 4: 25, Al-Ma’idah 5:5.] Akhdan are “sweethearts” or for a man a “mistress” and for a woman a “lover.”
No 3. Emotional and Psychological Impact
The emotional and psychological impact of relationships outside of marriage in Islam is a significant factor in the prohibition of girlfriends in Islam. Heartbreak, disappointment, and emotional distress can result from such non-marital relationships.
Islam seeks to protect Muslim individuals from these negative consequences by prohibiting relationships outside of marriage. Marriage is the appropriate context for intimate relationships, offering a stable foundation and commitment that can provide emotional security and fulfillment.
In a hadith, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) Said:
النِّكَاحُ مِنْ سُنَّتِي فَمَنْ لَمْ يَعْمَلْ بِسُنَّتِي فَلَيْسَ مِنِّي وَتَزَوَّجُوا فَإِنِّي مُكَاثِرٌ بِكُمُ الأُمَمَ
“Marriage is part of my sunnah, and whoever does not follow my sunnah has nothing to do with me. Get married, for your great numbers hearten me before the nations (of other Prophets).” (Sunan Ibn Majah 1846, Book 9, Hadith 2)
Muslims are encouraged to prioritize their emotional health through marriage, where mutual respect, commitment, and support can flourish.
No 4. Infringe on of Chastity and Modesty
Islam considers having a girlfriend haram since it infringes on chastity and modesty. Engaging in a girlfriend-boyfriend relationship can lead to actions and behaviors that compromise one’s chastity and modesty.
Islam encourages adherents to avoid situations that may lead to temptation and sin, and a girlfriend-boyfriend relationship can easily cross those boundaries. Such relationships often involve private interactions, physical intimacy, and a disregard for the boundaries set by Islam.
Having a Girlfriend is Against Islamic Shariah
The prohibition of having a girlfriend in Islam is not arbitrary but rather based on wisdom and practical considerations. Islamic beliefs prioritize preserving moral values, safeguarding individuals from harm, and upholding the sanctity of marriage.
As Muslims navigate modern relationships, Islam’s guidance on relationships serves as a comprehensive framework for navigating desire and lust. By adhering to these principles, Muslims are guided towards fulfilling, legal, and spiritually enriching connections within the context of marriage.
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