Dating, as commonly practiced, is not permissible in Islam. This includes having a boyfriend or girlfriend. The prohibition is based on clear evidence from the Quran and the Sunnah, emphasizing maintaining chastity and avoiding illicit relationships.

The Quran Prohibits Having Girlfriends or Boyfriends

Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“… They should be chaste, not adulterous, nor taking boyfriends…” [al-Nisa 4:25]

The Sunnah Prohibits Having Girlfriends or Boyfriends

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) instructed against forming intimate relationships outside of marriage. In a hadith, the Prophet prohibited marrying a woman with whom a man had an unlawful relationship, emphasizing the importance of chastity and lawful marriage (Reported by al-Tirmidhi).

These teachings clearly indicate that having any kind of intimate relationship with non-mahram individuals (those to whom one is not closely related and could potentially marry) is haram (forbidden).

And Allah knows best.

Sources:

1. IslamQA – Is Having Girlfriends or Boyfriends Haram?