From your question I ascertained that you are discussing platonic relationships between men and women. However, if I am mistaken and you are in fact asking about the romantic/dating aspect of girlfriend/boyfriend then I would have to say that it is absolutely prohibited in Islam for such a relationship to exist. If, on the other hand, I have understood your query correctly then I can proceed to try to answer your question effectively. I will make a clear distinction between co-workers and school peers in that they fall into the category of acquaintances. An acquaintance is basically someone you know or know of. Its a "lesser" relationship in that its more like a drive-by relationship. You exchange pleasantries and have a little small talk all within the confines of the environment that introduced the two (or more) of you to one another. However the relationships you a referring to are of a completely different level. Relationships are a bond and a personal, interwoven familiarity with others. They consist of intimate (not excluding but not necessarily sexual) elements not privy to others. In other words, very personal information may be shared and confided within a circle of friends but not to those outside this "circle". In these types of relationships, an environment of coziness begins to develop. Friendships create a sense of comfort permitting persons to let go of themselves. This relaxed state allows persons in the relationship to drop their guard and certain behaviors become accepted which previously may have not. Another potential feature is that the original environment which allowed for the parties to meet may no longer be of great significance as was before since that boundary is crossed when the parties meet one another at other places. If the relationship/friendship consists of a man and woman there may be a great potential for affection to grow. This "affection" comes in various forms, including but not limited to platonic, loving, lustful etc... Islam prescribes a socio-moral standard in which men and women are responsible for their intentions and actions. It is clear from Islamic doctrine that men and women must socialize with modest behavior, attitude and spirit. One of the key points is the avoidance of any licentious conduct. The mere hint of an impure glance or thought is admonished by a gentle suggestion of expelling the idea or restraining the eyes and maintaining God's presence within ones heart and mind. Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: And Allah is well acquainted with all that they do. And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty... ( Al-Noor 24: 30 - 31) If the above information is taken into consideration it should be clear that platonic relationships between men and women should be avoided. A friendship (man/woman) consists of sharing a lot more of ones self than is recommended by Islam. The potential for something unwise to occur in such relationships is great. The rule should be understood in the general sense and not the exception. Chatting, in my opinion, is no different since it may produce similar results as giving a lot more of ones self than is advised. Although it's slightly more complicated to answer, the fact is that the mere intrigue of getting to know the person behind the veil of chat rooms can lead down that hazardous road. Finally, I would say that in any form of relationship a sense of modesty and sincerity should be adhered to. In terms of mere acquaintances (of any type) at work, school, and chat (entertainment, religious, education, fishing, etc...) rooms or otherwise it should remain within the confines of the environment in which this relationship began. In terms of platonic relationships between men and women then it should be clear that they should be avoided since they tend to become more intimate with time (which is the natural progression of a friendship). My personal experience has been that men and women have relationships with one another for a vast number of reasons from emotional to sexual and far beyond what we can delve into here. Suffice to say that this question falls under the category of "Can men and women be friends," something which is beyond the scope of this response. If the relationship exceeds the limits prescribed by the Islamic Law and you feel that it is encroaching upon that "fine line" then it would be best to go with your instinct. Either put the brakes on or cut the relationship off. I hope I have clarified the issue God knows best Ronnie Hassan February 7, 2003 Answer published by Ronnie Hassan