Author: Abdul Hai Layan
Social space and Observing Marital Rights (Part One)
Abstract
This article, emphasizing the significance of marital matters and the confidentiality rights of spouses, examines the ruling on disclosing marital issues. It aims to address questions such as: “What is the Qur’an’s perspective on revealing marital secrets in Social space? What is the ruling on sharing marital matters in social space according to Islamic narrations?” Through an analysis of contemporary data from scholars in the fields of interpretation and hadith, the study concludes that disclosing marital secrets in cyberspace is impermissible and considered a major sin. Such actions lead to consequences like damaging each other’s reputation, breaching the trust of marital confidentiality, unfavorable outcomes, and paving the way for certain social deviations. Based on the principle of “blocking the means” (Sadd al-Dhara’i), it advocates avoiding such practices.
Keywords: Secrets, Ruling, Qur’anic Verses, Narrations, Marriage, Sharing, Social space
Problem Statement
Undoubtedly, the rapid expansion of communication tools in the contemporary world has revolutionized global interactions, introducing the widely recognized term “Social space.” While humanity has utilized this tremendous advancement to bridge its informational and communicational gaps remarkably, some have misused this opportunity, causing setbacks in their progress and advancement.
Among the most dangerous misuses of social space is the dissemination of private family matters, particularly exposing the nature of relationships, expressions of affection, intimacy, personal occasions, and even the display of body parts like hands, feet, or eyes to showcase attractiveness and mutual desire between spouses. Frequently disregarding the right to confidentiality, such behavior can lead to the disintegration of family structures or between families. This undesirable phenomenon often manifests in the form of sharing content, which has entrapped many individuals in its moral pitfalls.
Although the disclosure of family matters takes various forms, this study focuses on analyzing the Islamic legal ruling on the violation of marital confidentiality rights, specifically based on Qur’anic verses and narrations from Sunni traditions. It is hoped that this research serves as a wake-up call for those who, knowingly or unknowingly, are drawn to the illusory allure of this sin.
Research Background
Based on available searches, no prior research or writings specifically addressing this topic have been found. Although some contemporary researchers have explored confidentiality in medical or other fields, the following examples demonstrate the differences with the current study:
1. “Al-Himayah Al-Jina’iyyah Li-Asrar Al-Mihnah” by Ahmad Kamel Salamah: This book focuses on professional confidentiality, which differs thematically from this study.
2. “Kitam Al-Asrar Al-Tibbiyyah Wa-Ifsha’uhu Fi Majal Al-‘Alaqaat Al-Usariyyah” by Jawahir Muhammad Mohsen Al-Hajj: This work examines the disclosure of medical secrets within familial relationships. Despite its broader scope, it diverges in focus from the current research.
