It is the responsibility of the telephone owner to ensure that the phone does not ring unnecessarily or for an extended period. Unless the owner of the line has identified the caller and has a valid reason for not answering, ignoring repeated and long calls is not aligned with the moral values of a Muslim. Someone may be in need of help in an emergency or a relative may be trying to visit. Not answering the phone is akin to someone knocking on the door and the owner of the house failing to open it, unless there is a legitimate reason for not doing so.
Etiquette 2: A Woman Should Only Answer the Phone in Case of Emergency
It is preferable for a man to answer the phone; however, if the man or the sons of the family are not available, the woman of the house or the daughters can answer the phone. This is a sensitive issue because a woman’s voice may inadvertently encourage unworthy individuals to say inappropriate things or exhibit inappropriate behavior. Therefore, it is recommended that women only answer the phone in the absence of men or in urgent circumstances.
Etiquette 3: Women Should Not Answer the Phone When They Have Just Woken Up
A woman’s soft, sleepy voice can provoke inappropriate reactions, especially in men with unhealthy thoughts. Therefore, women should refrain from answering the phone in such situations. This is also in accordance with religious teachings, as stated in the Quran: «فَلَا تَخْضَعْنَ بِالْقَوْلِ فَيَطْمَعَ الَّذِى فِي قَلْبِهِ مَرَضٌ» Translation: “Do not be soft-spoken, lest those in whose hearts is a disease covet you.”
If a woman speaks in a clear voice without signs of sleepiness, there is no obstacle to answering the phone.
Etiquette 4: Preventing Children from Answering the Phone
Children should not be allowed to answer the phone, especially when they are unable to distinguish between right and wrong, or to recognize the caller and understand the conversation. This can lead to misunderstandings, missed opportunities, or even serious harm if the child inadvertently shares sensitive information or speaks with an intruder who intends to exploit them.
Etiquette 5: Answering the Phone by Asking the Identity of the Caller
When the phone rings, the politest way to answer is for the person on the line to first inquire about the identity of the caller, similar to someone knocking on the door. Upon picking up the phone, one may say, “Who is it?” or simply answer, “Yes.” Some well-mannered individuals start by greeting the caller; however, since the caller is akin to someone knocking on the door, it is incumbent upon the caller to initiate the greeting. Therefore, the correct method is as mentioned earlier.
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