In this era, technology has advanced so much that every man and woman has access to mobile phones and the internet. And now, communication between girls and men has become very easy. In such circumstances, protecting one’s faith has become very difficult. But if you want to please Allah, then do only what Allah and His Messenger (PBUH) have commanded us to do. Now, the questions of our Muslim brothers and sisters are also increasing. Today’s question is: Can a Muslim kiss a girl? We will answer this with references from the Quran and Hadith, InshaAllah.
Can a Muslim kiss a girl?
Islam teaches us to follow the path of purity & righteousness. Love and sentiments are natural, but Islam guides us on how to express them in a halal way. The question of whether a Muslim can kiss a girl depends on the relationship between them. If they are married, then it is completely allowed. But, if they are not married, then Islam strictly forbids any physical relationship, including kissing. Furthermore, Islam also strictly prohibits us from looking at, shaking hands with, or touching non-mahram individuals. So kissing is a far more greater matter. All these actions are against Islamic teachings. Now lets look from Quran what allah says in the holy Quran:
Allah commands believers to stay away from anything that leads to sin. In the Quran, Allah says:
وَلَا تَقْرَبُوا۟ ٱلزِّنَىٰٓ ۖ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ فَـٰحِشَةًۭ وَسَآءَ سَبِيلًۭا
“And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is an immorality and an evil way.” (Surah Al-Isra 17:32)
This verse tells us that even getting close to zina (fornication) is forbidden. So kissing before marriage is first step toward zina, and that is why Islam prohibits it.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also warned against anything that leads to sin. He said:
“When a man and a woman are alone together, Satan is the third one between them.” (Tirmidhi 2165)
This means that living alone with a non-mahram (someone you can marry) can lead to temptation and sin. Thats why kissing can stir lusts and lead to more serious actions, which is why Islam admonishes against it.
Another Hadith states:
“The eyes commit zina, the hands commit zina, and the feet commit zina. The private parts either confirm it or deny it.” (Bukhari 6243, Muslim 2657)
This Hadith clearly tells us that sin does not start with the final act; rather it is starts with small steps like looking, touching, & kissing. Islam teaches us to control our aspirations and protect our hearts from falling into haram relationships.
Although some people argue that a kiss is just a small act of love. But if we looking to Islam then, in Islam, even small actions that lead to sin are discouraged. The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us to lower our gaze and avoid unnecessary interaction with the opposite gender. Allah says in the Quran:
قُل لِّلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ يَغُضُّواْ مِنۡ أَبۡصَٰرِهِمۡ وَيَحۡفَظُواْ فُرُوجَهُمۡۚ ذَٰلِكَ أَزۡكَىٰ لَهُمۡۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ خَبِيرُۢ بِمَا يَصۡنَعُونَ
“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity. That is purer for them.” (Surah An-Nur 24:30)
This law does not just applies to men it also applies to women as well. Allah commands believing women to lower their gaze and maintain modesty. And this helps in building a society where people respect boundaries & protect their hearts from sinful desires.
This by no means implies that Islam suppresses love. Rather it encourages love in a halal way. If you love someone, the noblest path is marriage. Marriage is a sacred bond that allows a couple to express their love freely and in a blessed manner. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“O young men! Whoever among you is able to marry, let him marry, for it helps him lower his gaze and guard his modesty.” (Bukhari 5065, Muslim 1400)
This Hadith shows that marriage is the best way to control desires and protect oneself from haram relationships. If a Muslim loves someone, they should choose the right way—Nikah (marriage). Islam does not stop love; it protects love from turning into sin.
Some may say that kissing is a sign of affection, not necessarily a step toward zina. However, Islam looks at the bigger picture. Small actions can lead to bigger consequences. Many sins start with a simple act. This is why Islam blocks the ways that lead to haram.
A believer should ask themselves: Is this act pleasing to Allah? Will this bring me closer to Allah or take me away? The love that is blessed by Allah brings peace and happiness. The love that disobeys Allah brings regret and guilt.
For those who struggle with controlling desires, Islam provides guidance. Fasting is one way to control urges. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“O young men! If you cannot marry, then you should fast, for it will act as a shield for you.” (Bukhari 5066, Muslim 1400)
This is a Hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari, which exhorts fasting as a means to attain mastery over one’s desires. Fasting helps in developing self-control and purifying the heart. It reminds a believer of their purpose and keeps them focused on seeking Allah’s pleasure.
If a Muslim has kissed someone outside of marriage, they should repent sincerely. Allah is Merciful and Forgiving. He says in the Quran:
قُلْ يَـٰعِبَادِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَسْرَفُوا۟ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوا۟ مِن رَّحْمَةِ ٱللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ ٱلذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلْغَفُورُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ
“Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins.’” (Surah Az-Zumar 39:53)
Sincere repentance means feeling regret, stopping the sin, and making a firm intention not to do it again. Allah loves those who turn back to Him with a pure heart.
In conclusion, In Islam, it is categorically impermissible for a Muslim to kiss a woman before marriage. Because it leads to greater sins. While Islam protects love by guiding it through marriage. And a believer should focus on maintaining our purity & seeking halal ways to express love. True love is not about fleeting pleasure; it is about building a relationship that is blessed by Allah. The best way to show love is through commitment, respect, & Nikah. May Allah guide us all to the right path and help us stay away from what is forbidden. Ameen.