Chatting on the Internet
17-9-2002 | IslamWeb
Question:
Am I allowed to chat with boys on the Internet and if it was about Islam and about al-Jihad and things like that in a polite way? I will be grateful to hear the answer.
Answer:
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad 
is His slave and Messenger.
Islam safeguards and maintains relationships among individuals, since it circumscribes them with a fence that suits the human soul. Thus, Islam prohibits each and every relationship between a man and a woman except that which is done in legal marriage.
Also, it is completely wrong for a man to speak with a woman and vice versa, if there is no need. Then, if there is a need to talk, it should be with limitations of morals and decency.
Allah Says (what means): {… And when you ask (his wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen, that is purer for your hearts and for their hearts. …} [Quran 33: 53]
Allah also Says (what means): {…If you keep your duty (to Allah), then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy, or evil desire for adultery, etc.) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honorable manner.} [Quran 33: 32]
Know that addressing or speaking to others might be done by tongue, sign, writing, etc., as a means by which one can demonstrate what he wants. Allah Says (what means): {He Said, "Your sign is that you will not [be able to] speak to the people for three days except by gesture.. …} [Quran 3: 41]
Thus, it is every Muslim's duty to beware of speaking to women via what is known as “Friendship sites on the Internet”. These sites, for sure, constitute Satanic channels and means of temptation.
Allah Says (what means): {O you who have believed, do not follow the footsteps of Satan. And whoever follows the footsteps of Satan - indeed, he enjoins immorality and wrongdoing. And if not for the favor of Allah upon you and His mercy, not one of you would have been pure, ever, but Allah purifies whom He wills, and Allah is Hearing and Knowing.} [Quran 24: 21]
In reality, since friendship between the opposite sexes via the above-mentioned means is forbidden, each and every relationship or friendship that brings the two parties nearer such as friendship over phone, direct meeting, and so on will be more forbidden and more dangerous.
For more benefit, please refer to Fataawa 119025, 85359, 84932, and 81671.
Allah knows best.