Fatwa ID: 03452
Answered by: Maulana Muhammad Adnan
Question
Assalamu alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuh
Is a wife allowed to wear revealing & transparent saree blouses secretly for her husband, if it is helpful to look more feminine & attract the husband? (There is no intention of imitating)
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
Assalamu alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuh
A key part of preparing for sexual relations is to ensure that the wife beautifies herself for her husband. Human beings are highly visual creatures that enjoy seeing and experiencing things that are beautiful. This is why Islam encourages its adherents to adorn themselves whenever they attend public gatherings such as the jumu'a and 'ld prayers. If Muslims should appear pleasant in front of their fellows, then this is considerably more important where spouses are concerned. As such, the importance of a woman adorning herself in preparation for sexual relations with her husband cannot be overstated. Allah Ta’ala describes the maidens of paradise known as or ''wide-eyed virgins", by saying:
'They will look like rubies and corals." (Qur'an 55:58)
This indicates that adornment is a means of attracting the attention of one's spouse. A woman who is desirous of a healthy sexual relationship, and by extension a healthy marriage, should endeavour to beautify herself for her husband. In this way, the husband will also be saved from casting lustful glances at other women. Unfortunately, some Muslims consider that it is inappropriate for a practising Muslim woman to adorn herself in a captivating manner for her husband. This is far from the truth. Not only is it permissible for a woman to use the various means of beautification for her husband, but rather she is rewarded for doing so.
Part of being pious and practising Muslim is to live a life of chastity, and anything that is a means to this is encouraged, provided it is not specifically prohibited by Shari'a. The Messenger of Allah(alayhis salam) also encouraged women to adorn themselves and maintain a good appearance for their husbands.
Sayyida 'A'isha (may Allah Ta’ala be pleased with her) said "A woman made a gesture from behind a curtain to indicate that she had a letter for the Messenger of Allah (alayhis salam).
The Messenger of Allah(alayhis salam) withdrew his hand and said, "I do not know if this is a man's or a woman's hand." She said, "But rather, a woman." He said, "If you were a woman, you would have made changes to your nails, meaning with Henna."
(Sunan Abi Dawud 4163)
Sayyida 'A'isha(may Allah Ta’ala be pleased with her) relates that Hind hint 'Utba(may Allah Ta’ala be pleased with her) said to the Messenger of Allah (alayhis salam)"0 Prophet of Allah! Accept my allegiance (bay'a)." He replied: "I shall not accept your allegiance until you change the palms of your hands, for they look like the paws of a beast of prey!"
(Sunan Ab’i Dawud 4162)
Sayyida 'A'isha(may Allah Ta’ala be pleased with her) also relates: 'The Messenger of Allah (alayhis salam). received some jewels presented by Negus (najashi) as a gift to him. They contained a gold ring with an Abyssinian stone." She says, "The Messenger of Allah(alayhis salam) turning his attention away from it, took it by means of a stick or one of his fingers, then called U mama, daughter of Abu al-'A$ and daughter of his daughter Zaynab, and said: "Adorn yourself with this, my dear daughter." (Sunan Ab'iDawud 4232)
The wife's beautification, therefore, contributes to a healthy sexual relationship and is a key element of the physical preparation for sexual relations.
A woman may adorn herself for sexual relations with her husband by dressing up in appealing, seductive and revealing clothing. It is not against religious propriety (adab) and modesty (haya) to wear clothing such as luxurious lingerie and alluring underwear, provided it is only for the husband and that there is no third person with the couple. In fact, if the intention is to keep herself and her husband chaste, she will be rewarded, In sha 'Allah. It should be noted, however, that the stronger and more precautionary view in the Hanafi school is that it is necessary (wajib) for both men and women to cover their essential nakedness (from navel to knees) even when alone. The exception to this is when there is a need, such as taking a shower, relieving oneself, changing one's clothes or having sexual relations with one's spouse. (Radd al-Muhtar 1 :404) As such, the wife should ensure that she covers the area between her navel and knee properly when she is alone at home. She should only dress up in the types of clothing described above in the presence of her husband and, ideally, restricted to the bedroom set.
(Sexual Relations, Mufti Ibn Adam DB P38 &41)
Only Allah knows best
Written by Maulana Muhammad Adnan
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
