as salamu alaykum brother,

 

Shokran for writing to our live session.  As I understand the situation, your friend who is female met a guy on social media and started chatting with him.  She “accidentally” sent him some pictures of herself.  It turns out this guy is a mental patient and an extremist.  She fears he will blackmail her with the pictures. She also met with this guy (out of fear again) at her home and again she went out to meet him.  He did try to kiss her and force himself upon her sexually.  He even took off her pants, and I imagine she was scared and let him to avoid the possibility of him showing others the pictures of her face.

 

Brother, honestly I am wondering what is wrong with this picture.  First of all, one doesn’t accidentally send pictures of themselves.  It takes a conscious decision to chose a picture and click “send”.  Additionally, if one is in fear, one does not invite a mental patient, who is an extremist to her home.  Usually, one calls the police or notifies someone if she feels the danger is that great.

 

An Attempted Rape?

 

Brother, you asked about “kafara to be paid” however the real issue here is whether or not this girl was sexually assaulted.  Either she met him because she wanted to and was attracted to him and now feels guilty, or she was truly the victim of online stalking, harassment and attempted rape.  If this is the case it is a very serious matter and should be reported to the authorities.  As he is a mental patient, an extremist and dangerous, someone needs to protect your friend from a further attack and harassment.  This is a very serious issue.  Her life could be at stake. He knows where she lives.  Please do talk to her again and notify the authorities regarding an attempted rape.

 

Poor Decisions-Bad Outcomes

 

On the other hand, if part of the issue is that she got involved with someone and went a little bit too far and is now feeling guilty, please advise her that it is haram to get involved with men, it is haram to be alone with a man and it is haram to be intimate with a man.  While she did not commit the sin of intercourse, she commits other sins and put her life in danger.  Insha’Allah your friend has learned from this experience has asked for forgiveness from Allah; repented and has cut the person off totally.

 

Please encourage your friend accordingly.  If this was truly an attempted rape, notify the authorities and advise your friend to get counseling for the trauma.  Please do ensure she has protection until the guy is caught.  If it was not as she says, advise her on adhering to our Islamic morals and foundations of Islam.  Encourage her to repent and seek forgiveness from Allah swt.  Insha’Allah, your friend will be safe, will realize the wisdom in not talking to strange men and will seek out the mercy and forgiveness of Allah as she moves forward in life.  We wish her the best.