Perak Mufti warns ‘office wife-husband’ culture harms marriages

SHAH ALAM – The Perak Mufti Department has warned against the growing “office wife” and “office husband” culture, saying close relationships between male and female colleagues can cross ethical lines, harm professionalism and put family relationships at risk.

In an official statement issued on its Facebook page entitled “Adab Pergaulan Semasa Bekerja: Menangani Fenomena Office Wife-Husband Menurut Perspektif Syarak”, it described the “office wife” and “office husband” label as referring to workplace relationships where colleagues of different genders become extremely close, often exchanging personal thoughts, emotional struggles and daily routines in a manner that mirrors a marital relationship.

The department said Islam permits women to work and pursue a lawful living.

It cited Sayyidatina Khadijah as an example of a dignified and successful female entrepreneur in the era of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), on the condition that proper moral conduct was observed.

At the same time, it reminded that interactions at work must remain guided by Islamic principles, particularly those related to ikhtilat (interaction between unrelated men and women) and khalwat (being in seclusion).

The department acknowledged that such bonds may begin as ordinary workplace friendships, but cautioned that they can slowly develop into emotional dependence and excessive attachment, which could eventually affect existing marriages and disturb social balance.

It also suggested several practical ways to address the issue, particularly by ensuring that workplace interactions with non-mahram colleagues remain strictly professional, without personal sharing, private communication or emotional closeness.

The department added that maintaining clear boundaries in professional settings is important to protect individual dignity and ensure overall social harmony.