chat

[Sheenka]

im just wondering if chatting is harm or not coz one of my freind asked me that if chatting over the net with girls or boys, is it haram? and would u think of that person bad who chats?

[Palwasha]

I'm assuming you mean with the opposite sex.

It all depends on the intention; unless you were to learn from them or it was absolutely necessary you speak, then it would be deemed haraam (if they were your non-mahram).

I once read an article on this, which addressed the situation perfectly, but unfortunately I can't find it. =/

[Muslimah]

seeing that the internet is a huge social communication tool - i would compare it to what people used to do to communicate before. Ie. face to face.

Act as a Muslimah. I believe that ones actions dictates the kind of attention they get. I know if I had the right intentions, I could stand in a room with 100 men (although I would never let that happen) and none of them would look at me like a piece of meat, and none of them would disrespect me - because I command that through my actions.

Intentions are most important, and so are your actions. Keep in mind that Allah comes first and you don't have to worry.

[Roshina]

I'd say it depends on what they talk about.

[Muslimah]

Ok
heres a question:
My friend just got a new job, their boss/director/manager/CEO and all these fancy people invited them out for dinner. This person is Muslim. The people sit around all night and talk about sex and alcohol. But, although this person isn't drinking - feels compelled to stay as they are new to the job and would feel rude excusing themself although being around that probably is far from a good idea. What do they do?

[Roshina]

Ok
heres a question:
My friend just got a new job, their boss/director/manager/CEO and all these fancy people invited them out for dinner. This person is Muslim. The people sit around all night and talk about sex and alcohol. But, although this person isn't drinking - feels compelled to stay as they are new to the job and would feel rude excusing themself although being around that probably is far from a good idea. What do they do?

Well, your friend should speak to his boss about this - i.e., how he feels uncomfortable talking about sex and alcohol or being surrounded by people who do. Since we can't always control conversations and the flow they take, I'd think that your friend should ask his boss if he can bring a friend over to the dinner. That way, he'll have someone to talk to during the dinner so he won't have to feel uncomfortable. If he explains the situation well enough to his boss, or whoever is in charge of the dinner, I'm more than sure they'll understand.

[*Mahzala*]

im just wondering if chatting is harm or not coz one of my freind asked me that if chatting over the net with girls or boys, is it haram? and would u think of that person bad who chats?

As other members have already mentioned, it depends on what they talk about and how they talk and on their intentions. There is nothing wrong with Muslim men and women making use of the internet (permissible chat rooms such as Islamtalk etc) so long as it doens't lead to anything forbidden or prohibited within the boundaries of Islam. Islam is a religion which focuses more on prevention rather than cure and so anything that leads to temptation, fitnah or anything which disturbs the smooth functioning of society. If one intends to find a partner online, or anything of the sort, he should remember the limits Islam sets in accordance with mahram and non-mahram's and the fact that marriage itself is a blessing destined for man by Allah, therefore acquiring it through sin may not yield positive results. Another issue is that of time wasting, for which man will be held accountable. Allah swears by time in the Quran, suggesting its importance and value. To answer your quesion, I wouldn't think bad of the person who chats for Islamic purposes, but if there are other means to pass one's time and acquire knowledge, then I would suggest they do so by those means. In concluding whether it is haraam or not, again depends on the process; why they are talking, how they are talking and what they are talking about.

And Allah save us from falling to our desires and the temptations of this world.

[abubaker]

Ok
heres a question:
My friend just got a new job, their boss/director/manager/CEO and all these fancy people invited them out for dinner. This person is Muslim. The people sit around all night and talk about sex and alcohol. But, although this person isn't drinking - feels compelled to stay as they are new to the job and would feel rude excusing themself although being around that probably is far from a good idea. What do they do?

i was in the same situation a while ago so i just quit the job

[Muslimah]

Even if it was your first day? Its tough - I wish people were more educated about Islam, then they would know their boundaries and what situations NOT to put you in.

Plus - if they knew about Islam, they would most probably fall in love with it, and everyone would become Muslim!

[Sheenka]

Ok
heres a question:
My friend just got a new job, their boss/director/manager/CEO and all these fancy people invited them out for dinner. This person is Muslim. The people sit around all night and talk about sex and alcohol. But, although this person isn't drinking - feels compelled to stay as they are new to the job and would feel rude excusing themself although being around that probably is far from a good idea. What do they do?

i know its hard coz i have been through this as well when i was in school all girls where talking so stupid things always and as i was new they were the only freinds i had hang around with them, i was feeling very uncomfortable because i grew up in talibaan's time and strick pashtoon family, then i stopped hanging around with them and my teacher asked why, i told her everything. she was so funny she came in the class said sheenkay is from Afghanistan, and muslim dont talk rubbish staff infront of her and after that evrything was ok.