Social Space and Observing Marital Rights (Part 4)
2.3. Respecting Each Other’s Rights and Dignity
Allah Almighty, describing the relationship between spouses in Surah Al-Baqarah, says: «…هُنَّ لِبَاسٌ لَّكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ لِبَاسٌ لَّهُنَّ…» فقشدسمشفهخد: They are your clothing, and you are their clothing (both are adornments and means of preserving each other).
Before we delve into the interpretative points of this verse regarding why spouses are likened to each other’s clothing, let us consider the two words “لکم” (for you, men) and “لهن” (for you, women). These words carry a profound meaning: that man and woman are not adversaries but are rather supportive of one another. Each partner exists for the benefit and nurture of the other, not to expose the secrets and subtleties of their marriage to outsiders.
Allama Fakhruddin Razi, in explaining this analogy, writes: «أنَّه تَعالی جَعَلَها لِباساً لِلرَّجُلِ، مِن حَیثُ إنَّه یَخُصُّها بِنَفسِهِ، کَما یَخُصُّ لِباسَه بِنَفسِهِ…» Allah Almighty has made women (like) clothing for men; because just as clothing is special to him, so is the wife.
Allama Razi’s interpretation suggests that if clothing becomes soiled, it contaminates the wearer, and conversely, if the wearer is unclean, it sullies the clothing. Similarly, sharing intimate details or images of one’s spouse with others pollutes the sanctity of marital life and undermines the reputation of both partners. Therefore, such actions constitute a betrayal of trust and a disregard for each other’s rights and dignity.
Betrayal of Trust in Marriage
Preserving personal and family secrets is an important moral virtue. This trait signifies the perfection of faith, rationality, integrity, trustworthiness, foresight, and stability of personality. In Islamic culture, a Muslim is not only obliged to keep their secrets but also the secrets of others, never revealing them without consent. This obligation becomes particularly significant when the secrets pertain to the intimate relationships between spouses.
Family secrets are akin to blood in the lifeblood of the family and society. It is the responsibility of both partners to protect these secrets. Just as blood sustains life, revealing the private matters of a marriage can cause the family’s spirit to wither. Since spouses share a profound bond, their secrets are intertwined: revealing one partner’s secrets ultimately harms the dignity and rights of the other.
In this context, safeguarding secrets from family members—especially between husband and wife—is one of the most significant trusts in a relationship. If this trust is breached, the very essence of the family structure—namely, the relationship between husband and wife—faces grave damage. Consequently, Allah Almighty identifies the protection of trusts as one of the distinguishing qualities of true believers, stating: «وَالَّذِينَ هُمْ لِأَمَانَاتِهِمْ وَعَهْدِهِمْ رَاعُونَ»Translation: And those who fulfill their trusts and covenants.
Dr. Wahba Al-Zuhaili, in his commentary «المنیر فی‌العقیده والشریعه والمنهج», explains that “لِأَمَانَاتِهِمْ” refers to what has been entrusted to individuals concerning both religious and worldly matters. He further elaborates: «ما ائتمنوا علیه من أمور الدین والدنیا» Translation: What has been entrusted to them in matters of religion and worldly affairs.
Allama Alusi highlights the plural form of “لِأَمَانَاتِهِمْ” to illustrate the multitude of trusts that each person bears, citing: «کلُّ أحدِ مُؤتَمَن عَلی ما أفتُرِضَ علیهِ» Every person is entrusted with what they are obligated to uphold in beliefs, words, actions, morals, and the rights they owe to others—be it family, neighbors, or fellow Muslims.
Sheikh Mahmoud Alusi adds that anything bestowed upon a person—such as body parts and abilities—is a trust. He states: «فَمَن استَعمَلَ ذَلِکَ فِی غَیرِ ما أعطاهُ» Translation: Whoever uses what Allah has entrusted to them for purposes other than intended has betrayed that trust, potentially making this act a major sin.
Given the emphasis on trust between spouses and the insights shared by esteemed commentators, it is evident that sharing intimate family photos or revealing parts of the body is an act of betrayal against Allah and a breach of marital rights. Any individual who breaks this trust commits a significant sin.
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