Where Muslims meet

The phrase “girl’s girl” is often used to describe a woman who stands by other women, the friend who cheers you on and reminds you of your worth. But through an Islamic lens, this concept carries even greater weight.

For Muslim women, being a girl’s girl is about more than just friendship. It’s about protecting each other’s honour, offering sincere advice, and creating a safe circle of support. And when it comes to relationships and marriage, having that sisterhood is not only beneficial. It’s essential.

A healthy marriage isn’t built in isolation. It thrives when you have the right support system around you. Here’s why every Muslim woman needs to both be and have a girl’s girl when navigating love, relationships, and marriage.

1. She Protects Your Honour

Every marriage will experience highs and lows. A girl’s girl is the one who keeps your confidences safe. If you share a personal struggle, she will never gossip or expose your vulnerabilities. Instead, she’ll hold space for you with dignity.

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever conceals [the faults of] a Muslim, Allah will conceal his faults in this world and the Hereafter.” (Muslim)

A true sister safeguards not only your reputation, but your marriage as well.

2. She Reminds You of Your Worth

In marriage, it’s easy to forget your value, especially in moments of conflict or self-doubt. A girl’s girl will remind you that your worth isn’t tied to anyone’s approval, but to Allah’s love and your own self-respect.

She helps you see yourself clearly, offering encouragement when you feel low and perspective when you’re being too hard on yourself.

3. She Gives Honest, Faith-Based Advice

Love can cloud judgement. Sometimes we need an outside perspective, someone who can lovingly ask, “Is this situation good for you?”

Islam values nasiha (sincere counsel). A good friend won’t just agree with you to avoid conflict, nor will she be harsh. She will guide you gently, with the Qur’an and sunnah in mind, so you can make decisions that protect your heart and your faith.

4. She Celebrates Without Jealousy or Envy

Marriage milestones, such as proposals, weddings, and children, can sometimes trigger comparisons. But a girl’s girl knows that Allah distributes blessings uniquely. She celebrates your happiness wholeheartedly, saying “MashaAllah” without resentment, because she trusts that her rizq will come in its time.

This kind of friend brings peace, not competition.

5. She Shows Up in Difficult Times

A solid marriage still has its storms. A girl’s girl doesn’t disappear when things get tough. She checks in, offers practical help, and reminds you of patience and du’a. Sometimes, she’s simply present and sitting with you in silence, showing you you’re not alone.

That presence can be the difference between despair and resilience.

6. She Helps You Keep Perspective

Arguments in marriage can sometimes feel bigger than they are. A girl’s girl helps you zoom out, see the bigger picture, and not make hasty decisions in the heat of emotion.

She’ll remind you of your shared goals, your vows, and the importance of mercy in relationships.

7. She Strengthens Your Faith

The best friend is the one who reminds you of Allah. A girl’s girl encourages prayer, helps you keep up with your deen, and reminds you to make du’a for your spouse.

She knows that faith is the foundation of a strong marriage, and she’ll help you guard it.

8. She Creates a Safe Space to Grow

Marriage is a journey of growth, emotionally, spiritually, and personally. A girl’s girl provides a safe space where you can be vulnerable, share your struggles, and explore your growth without fear of judgment.

She helps you evolve into a better wife, friend, and Muslim.

9. She Models Healthy Boundaries

Not all advice is good advice. A true girl’s girl understands boundaries. She will never overstep into your marriage or encourage you to share private details unnecessarily.

Instead, she knows when to guide you, when to listen, and when to simply pray for you.

10. She Walks With You Towards Jannah

At the heart of it all, a girl’s girl isn’t just a loyal friend in this life — she’s a companion who wants to see you succeed in the Hereafter. She encourages you to be the best version of yourself, reminding you that your marriage is part of your path to Jannah.

The Prophet ﷺ said: “A person is upon the religion of his close friend, so let one of you look at whom he befriends.” (Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi)

Choose friends who make you better. As a woman, as a wife, and as a believer.

Looking for sisters who understand your journey? Join the Muzz community and start building connections today.

It’s one of the most common questions Muslims ask—especially those studying, working, or living in Western societies, where often times it would be impossible to avoid any interactions with the opposite gender because western society is not built to cater to Islamic standards.

The short answer?Friendship in the casual, emotionally intimate sense is discouraged.But professional, respectful interaction with clear boundaries is permitted—and sometimes necessary.

Want to learn from different perspectives? We dive into this topic more in this video ⤵️

❌ Islam Does Not Promote Casual Friendships

Islam isn’t against gender interaction, it’s against free mixing (ikhtilat) that leads to fitnah (temptation), emotional attachment, or inappropriate closeness.

For the sake of this article, we will be defining friendship as a close and intimate bond, one where two people are in regular communication and are emotionally dependent on one another, as Islamically, this is where the danger in mixed friendships lies.“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity… And tell the believing women to lower their gaze…” – Qur’an 24:30–31

Islam’s concern is not talking to the opposite gender—it’s how and why you’re doing it.

✅ What Is Permissible in a Western Context?

In the West, Muslims often can’t avoid mixed environments—schools, universities, offices. Islam doesn’t expect isolation, it expects conduct marked by dignity, clarity, and restraint.  There is a big difference between a friendship between men and women, and a relationship whereby interactions are limited to respectful conversations regarding topics relevant to your environment i.e. a work project or school work.

You can:

Collaborate in class or work settings Exchange respectful formalities Be courteous and professional Maintain modesty in dress and speech Keep emotional boundaries clear

Your intention (niyyah) matters and Allah (SWT) knows what is in your heart.

“…Speak to them in a straightforward manner.” – Qur’an 33:32

🚩 Signs You’re Crossing the Line

Ask yourself:

Are we joking/flirting privately? Do I text them beyond work or study needs? Do I confide in them emotionally? Would I act differently if my future spouse was watching?

If yes, then the relationship may have slipped into emotional intimacy, which Islam advises against.

💡 Islam Offers Guidelines, Not Isolation

Islam doesn’t forbid men and women from interacting—it structures the interaction with wisdom.

And that’s mercy.It protects your heart.It protects their heart.And it protects the sacred bond of marriage from becoming just another “casual” connection.

📿 What to Do Instead Set clear boundaries early: People respect what you respect. Keep conversations purposeful: Avoid small talk unless necessary. Don’t seek emotional support from the opposite gender: That’s what friends of the same gender, family, or eventually, your spouse are for. Seek forgiveness if the line was crossed: Allah is Merciful, and it’s never too late to realign with your values. Respect Doesn’t Require Friendship

You don’t need to “be friends” to be friendly. Islam asks us to be respectful, not cold; professional, not flirtatious; connected by akhlaq, not casual intimacy.

In a Western society, Muslim men and women can interact—but they should do so with purpose, modesty, and taqwa (God-consciousness).

Is Physical Touch and Kissing Permissible During Engagement?

Having sex before marriage is strictly haram in Islam but what about other things? There is a lot of nuance to physical intimacy and sometimes lines can get blurred, if you know that you are marrying someone does this mean certain acts of intimacy are allowed? What physical boundaries should be maintained during engagement according to Islamic teachings? Let’s dive into it.

Watch our CEO address this and more in this video ⬇️

Understanding the Islamic Position on Pre-Marital Physical Contact

In Islam, the engagement period (khitbah) is distinct from marriage (nikah). This distinction is crucial for understanding permissible boundaries:

The fundamental principle: Islam permits physical contact between non-mahrams (those eligible to marry) only after the marriage contract (nikah) is completed – not during engagement.

Most Islamic scholars across major schools of thought (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali) agree that:

Engagement is a promise to marry, not a marriage itself Until the nikah is completed, the couple remains non-mahrams to each other Physical boundaries that apply between non-mahrams continue to apply during engagement Why These Boundaries Exist

These guidelines aren’t meant to make life difficult but rather serve several important purposes:

Protecting dignity and honor: The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasised respecting boundaries that protect one’s honor. Preventing gradual escalation: Physical touch often leads to increasing desire for more intimate contact. Avoiding regret: If the engagement ends (which is permissible in Islam), having maintained physical boundaries prevents potential regret and ensures no one is put in a position where they feel like they gave away a part of themselves that they wanted to save for their husband or wife. Building a foundation beyond physical attraction: The engagement period is valuable for developing communication and understanding beyond physical desire. When two people become engaged there can be a lot of lust, removing the physical aspect of a relationship allows you to see whether this person is truly the one for you beyond any physical attraction, do you have things to talk about? Do you enjoy the same activities? The non-physical things are what keep a relationship going after the honeymoon, lust phase has run it’s course. Common Misunderstandings About Engagement Misunderstanding #1: “Engagement makes some physical contact permissible”

While engagement is a serious commitment toward marriage, it doesn’t change the ruling on physical contact. The Islamic position is that physical intimacy becomes permissible only after the nikah contract.

Misunderstanding #2: “If we’re definitely getting married soon, it doesn’t matter”

The intention to marry doesn’t alter the Islamic ruling. Even a day before the wedding, if the nikah hasn’t been performed, Islamic boundaries remain in place. Engagement is not an Islamic loophole.

Misunderstanding #3: “Just kissing isn’t really crossing the line”

Islamic scholars point out that seemingly “minor” forms of physical contact can:

Awaken desires that are difficult to control Begin a pattern of compromising on religious principles Create emotional and physical bonds that should be reserved for marriage What About Looking at Each Other?

While physical touch before nikah is not permissible, Islam does encourage potential spouses to see each other before marriage:

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ told a companion who wanted to marry a woman: “Go and look at her, for that is more likely to create love between you.” (Narrated by Ahmad, an-Nasa’i)

However, this looking:

Should be in the presence of family members Doesn’t extend to physical contact Is limited to seeing the face and hands (according to most scholars) Cultural Practices vs. Islamic Teachings

It’s important to distinguish between cultural practices and Islamic teachings. In some Muslim cultures:

Engaged couples may be allowed significant freedom together Families might be lenient about physical boundaries during engagement Pre-wedding celebrations might include mixed gatherings with physical contact

However, these cultural practices should be evaluated against Islamic principles. Islamic guidance is more important than cultural norms, if the two are conflicting always go with what Islam says.

Practical Tips for Maintaining Boundaries During Engagement

If you’re currently engaged and striving to maintain Islamic boundaries but you are finding it tough; firstly remember this is completely normal and usually a good sign that you are with someone you will enjoy being married to. However, try to do these things to avoid putting yourself in a situation of temptation:

Meet in public or family settings Be honest with each other about your commitment to these boundaries Discuss your boundaries explicitly early in the engagement Keep conversations and interactions purposeful rather than flirtatious; sure you can compliment one another and not necessarily have to speak the way you would with just a friend, but keeping a line there again helps to prevent any blurred boundaries Remind each other of your spiritual goals and the barakah (blessings) that come with following Allah’s guidance The Rewards of Patience

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “No one leaves something for the sake of Allah but that Allah will replace it with something better.” (Ahmad)

Couples who maintain proper Islamic boundaries during engagement will usually have a deeper respect for one another due to the display they have seen of religious commitment, a stronger foundation of trust when entering the marriage, a more intense appreciation for the sanctity of their physical relationship once married and most importantly, Allah (SWT) will bring greater barakah (blessings) into their marriage.

Conclusion

While the engagement period can test one’s patience and self-control, maintaining proper Islamic boundaries ensures that your relationship begins with respect for Allah’s commands. The engagement period is a valuable time to develop communication, mutual understanding, and respect that will enrich your marriage.

Remember that Islamic boundaries aren’t restrictions but protections—they preserve the special nature of physical intimacy for marriage and build a foundation of respect and spiritual commitment between spouses.