{"_id":"668d9ff10b76658b4c2329d4","title":"{\"ops\":[{\"insert\":\"Is it permissible to avoid giving salaams to Muslims of the opposite gender?\"}]}","question":"{\"ops\":[{\"insert\":\"Is it permissible to avoid giving the salam to certain people because you feel they’d rather not interact with the opposite gender? And is it permissible to avoid giving the salam because you're too shy to interact with the opposite gender?\"}]}","answer":"{\"ops\":[{\"insert\":\"The Islamic sacred law not only prohibits grave sins like adultery and sexual assault but also provides practical guidance to help individuals avoid such situations. One aspect of this guidance is the regulation of inter-gender interactions, which are encouraged to be public, purposeful, and limited. Additionally, teachings emphasize the importance of lowering one's gaze and avoiding private, physical seclusion.\\n\\nQuranic verses, such as \"},{\"attributes\":{\"bold\":true},\"insert\":\"\\\"So, lower not your voices with soft charm, lest he with sickness in his heart should desire, and speak words correct and chaste\\\"\"},{\"insert\":\" \"},{\"attributes\":{\"link\":\"https://quran.com/33/32\"},\"insert\":\"[Quran 33:32]\"},{\"insert\":\", further underscore the significance of maintaining appropriate conduct in speech and demeanor with unrelated individuals of the opposite gender. In light of these principles, scholars advise against casual greetings, such as the exchange of salaam, between young individuals who may find each other sexually desirable. Should such greetings occur, it is recommended that they be returned inaudibly.\\n\\nWhile contemporary societal norms may view casual interactions between genders as commonplace, it's essential to uphold the values of modesty and chastity advocated by the sacred law. These values are integral to preserving morality and safeguarding the sanctity of marriage and family. Instead of pressuring or belittling individuals who choose not to engage in casual interactions with the opposite gender, we should recognize and respect their adherence to Islamic principles. Such behavior should be seen as commendable and praiseworthy, even if it differs from our own practices.\\n\\nI leave you with the words of the famous Egyptian poet, Ahmad Shawqi: \"},{\"attributes\":{\"italic\":true},\"insert\":\"A gaze, then a smile, then a greeting, Words, then a tryst, then a meeting.\"}]}","tags":[{"_id":"668d9ff10b76658b4c2329d2","tag":"Relationships: Opposite Gender","count":80}],"createdOn":"2024-07-09T20:39:13.879Z"}