• Ninja, a prominent American streamer, recently shared how he avoids being alone with women (except his wife) in the same room.
• This practice aligns with Islamic teachings on boundaries between genders, aimed at protecting individuals and families from potential harm.
Richard Tyler Blevins, better known as Ninja, is an American streamer, YouTuber, and professional gamer who gained widespread attention for his skill in Fortnite. With 23.8 million subscribers on YouTube, Ninja has become a prominent figure in the gaming world.
Earlier this summer, Ninja posted a video addressing allegations surrounding Ava Kris Tyson, who had recently stepped away from MrBeast due to messages she reportedly sent to a minor. The alleged victim claimed that Tyson made “a few edgy jokes,” but asserted they were “never exploited or taken advantage of.” However, Tyson and MrBeast ultimately parted ways, with Tyson admitting her actions were “unacceptable.”
In response to this controversy, Ninja spoke out, detailing his personal boundaries.
He shared that he avoids being alone in a room with any woman except his wife. In a video posted online, he explained: “It’s f**king simple. I don’t care who you are, I don’t care what you are, I don’t care what community you’re part of. Don’t talk to anyone underage. Hello? It’s not difficult. Just don’t do it. What year is it? How hard is it?”
Ninja further clarified that this rule applies to professional settings as well: “Even my PR person, it doesn’t matter who it is. I don’t care if they work with me, whatever. There is someone else in that room at all times. If we’re alone, I leave. Instantly.”
He also stated he avoids direct messaging any women, adding, “As for anyone else, I don’t DM anyone. I DM my boys. I DM guys in the community. There’s no private messages going on with any girls. If there are, it’s someone like Chica or people in this space. And then I let my wife know. If I don’t know you, I’m not DMing you. I don’t wanna get to know you and find out you’re only seven.”
This stance sparked considerable debate online. Some found it excessive, with one person commenting, “A bit weird and paranoid. But I get it. He doesn’t wanna risk destroying his career over bad optics and misunderstandings from the public.” Another remarked, “Bro is paranoid for real,” while a third noted, “Imagine being this insecure in your relationship.” However, others supported Ninja’s approach, with one user writing, “For someone of his level of fame, this is pretty valid.”
Ninja has previously expressed a similar stance, revealing in 2018 that he avoids gaming alone with women, though he would if others are present in the same stream.
It is intriguing how the principles outlined by Allah are often perceived as stringent or austere by non-Muslims. Yet, many people unknowingly are not incorporating practices that align closely with Islamic teachings. For instance, in 2017, the widespread #MeToo movement catalyzed global conversations about appropriate conduct between genders in professional settings. Similarly, in 2022, the London Underground displayed posters declaring, “Intrusive staring of a sexual nature is sexual harassment and is not tolerated.”
Interestingly, Muslims have been instructed to lower their gaze in the Qur’an.
“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do.” (Quran 24:30) “And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts and not reveal their adornment except that which [ordinarily] appears thereof…” (Quran 24:31)
Whether Ninja’s reasoning centres on preserving his career or strengthening his relationship with his wife or both (as it seems), this practice aligns with the rulings and guidance in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) teaches the following:
“Whenever a man is alone with a woman, Satan is the third among them.”
(Jami`at-Tirmidhi 2165)
This guidance protect the dignity of interactions between unrelated men and women, promoting modesty. The Prophet Muhammad (s.aw) also said:
“It is better for one of you to be stabbed in the head with an iron needle than to touch a woman that is not permissible for him.” (Reported by al-Tabarani in al-Mu’jam al-Kabeer and al-Bayhaqi)
Allah’s laws serve to protect individuals and society from harm. This guidance safeguards family integrity and prevents immorality, promiscuity, and false accusations. Moreover, it indicates the severity of zina (fornication or adultery) in Islam, emphasising its painful consequences. Having said this, Allah is Al-Hakim (the Most Wise), and His wisdom encompasses benefits that are likely to even go beyond this.
