Q: What is the Shar’ee ruling on Ghayr Mahram (not prohibited in marriage)
males and females making Salaam to one another?
A: It is not permissible for Ghayr Mahram males and females to communicate
with one another. The negative aspects of free speaking between Ghayr Mahram
males and females is clear as daylight. If the need arises to communicate,
for example, answering the telephone, etc. then the male should make Salaam
first and confine his communication to the need. A female should not respond
in a soft and alluring voice. (Surah 33 Aayat32)
It is permissible for an elderly woman to reply the salaam of a male.
However, if the woman is young, it is not permissible for her to reply to
the salaam of a male. If an elderly female makes Salaam first, then the male
may answer her audibly. If a young woman makes Salaam first, then the male
may reply her Salaam in his heart and not audibly. (Shaami vol.6 pg.369; HM
Saeed)
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai