'Muslims can ride alone with hired driver, with conditions'

The Federal Territories Mufti's Office has advised drivers and passengers of taxis, ride-sharing services to avoid being in the car together, if they are of the opposite gender.

To do this, passengers are advised to check if the driver is of the opposite gender.

"Passengers should cancel the request if they find that the driver is of the opposite gender," read a reply to a question published on the mufti's website.

The mufti's office said it is aware that drivers face penalties if they reject riders.

"In this case, we believe it is not a problem for the driver and passenger to be in the car together even though they are of opposite genders.

"This is on condition that the passenger sits in the back seat and refrains from unnecessary chatter with the driver.

"Drivers are also advised not to take deserted routes to avoid from being slandered," the mufti's office advised.

Same as 'khalwat'

However, when contacted, Federal Territories mufti Zulkifli Mohamad said this was just an opinion and not a fatwa (edict), since the issuance of fatwa must follow certain procedures.

The mufti's office was replying to a question on whether it is permissible for Muslims of the opposite gender, who are not mahram (un-marriable kin), to be in the same car if there is only the two of them.

It said that in general, men and women who can marry each other are not allowed to spend time together on their own as it could lead to sex before marriage.

"This is the same as the act of khalwat (close proximity) in parks, gardens, rooms and hotels. The same can be said for being in a car like in a taxi, Uber and Grabcar ride," it said.

However, it said there are exceptions to this in times of need, such as when a man has to send a woman who is lost, to ensure she is safe.- Mkini