No, according to Islamic teachings, having a girlfriend, even without physical touch, is generally considered haram (forbidden) if it involves emotional intimacy and a romantic relationship that goes beyond permissible boundaries.
Understanding the Islamic Perspective
Islam places significant emphasis on modesty and preserving chastity before marriage. While physical intimacy is explicitly prohibited outside marriage, emotional intimacy and romantic relationships that lead to fitna (temptation) are also discouraged.
The key consideration isn't solely the absence of physical touch, but the nature of the relationship itself. A relationship characterized by emotional closeness, romantic feelings, and potentially leading to haram actions is not permissible in Islam.
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Permissible Interactions: Interactions with the opposite gender should be limited to those that are necessary and conducted with appropriate modesty and decorum. This might include professional interactions, family gatherings, or interactions based on shared religious or community activities. These interactions must always avoid any situation that could lead to fitna.
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Impermissible Interactions: A relationship solely focused on emotional intimacy, even without physical contact, can still be considered haram if it fosters feelings and desires that are not permissible before marriage. This can include prolonged interactions, frequent communication, and sharing of personal emotions that cultivate romantic attachments.
The provided reference states: "If you mean full dating like kissing, hugging, sleepovers and sex then definitely it is haram". This highlights that the haram nature of the relationship isn't solely defined by physical contact. Even without physical actions, the intent and potential consequences of the relationship must be carefully considered. A relationship that leads to or encourages haram actions is inherently impermissible.
Conclusion
The permissibility depends heavily on the nature of the relationship, not just the presence or absence of physical touch. A relationship built on emotional intimacy and romantic feelings that could lead to haram acts is considered impermissible in Islam.
