Perak Mufti says “office wife-husband” trend risks emotional infidelity and urges strict workplace boundaries
KUALA LUMPUR: The Perak Mufti Department has cautioned against the rise of the “office wife” and “office husband” phenomenon, warning that excessively close relationships between male and female colleagues can lead to emotional infidelity and jeopardise both workplace professionalim and the sanctity of the family unit.
In an official statement released via its Facebook page titled “Adab Pergaulan Semasa Bekerja: Menangani Fenomena Office Wife-Husband Menurut Perspektif Syariah” – the department clarified that Islam supports women’s right to work and pursue a lawful living.
It cited Sayyidatina Khadijah, a distinguished businesswoman during the era of Prophet Muhammad, as a prime example of the faith’s historical support for working women, provided ethical boundaries are maintained.
The department emphasised that professional interactions must adhere to Islamic guidelines, specifically regarding ikhtilat (the mixing of unrelated men and women) and khalwat (seclusion).
According to the statement, the terms “office wife” and “office husband” typically describe platonic yet intimate bonds between colleagues who share personal secrets, emotional burdens, and daily habits in a way that mimics a marital relationship.
While these connections often start as harmless professional friendships, the department warned of a “slippery slope” effect.
Professional support can evolve into a deep emotional reliance on a colleague rather than a legal spouse.
Over time, these bonds may result in attachments that undermine the stability of existing marriages and broader social harmony.
The Mufti Department stressed that upholding strict professional boundaries is essential to preserving personal dignity, protecting the institution of marriage, and ensuring a respectful social environment.
