Are men allow to give salaam to women and vice versa?

It is permissible for Mahram (prohibited in marriage) males and females to%0D%0Amake Salaam to one another as there is no fear of Fitna.%0D%0A%0D%0AAs regards Ghayr Mahram (not prohibited in marriage) males and females%0D%0Amaking Salaam to one another, consider the following points:%0D%0A1. Salaam means peace and it is a quality of Allah.%0D%0A2. Salaam is a Du'aa%0D%0A3. There are great virtues for making Salaam to one another%0D%0A4. Men and women by nature are attracted to the opposite sex.%0D%0A5. In many instances, illicit relationship (lustful glances, etc.) between%0D%0AGhayr Mahram male and female commenced with Salaams.%0D%0A%0D%0AThe virtues of making salaam are well known but the possible negative%0D%0Afactors of Ghayr Mahram males and females cannot be ignored as well. It is a%0D%0Awellknown principle in Shari'ah, that if possible harms are more than the%0D%0Apossible benefits, then the former (harms) will prevail as avoiding harm is%0D%0Amore important than gaining benefit.%0D%0A%0D%0Aand Allah Ta'ala Knows Best%0D%0A%0D%0AMufti Ebrahim Desai%0D%0AFATWA DEPT.%0D%0A