Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī Ḥadīth [5240]

The author, may Allāh shower blessings on him, said: The chapter on prohibition of describing the charm of a woman to a man without a valid reason approved by the Sharī’ah such as marriage. That is, it is not permissible for a person to describe a woman to a man by saying that she is tall, beautiful, light in complexion and other similar matters except for a valid reason approved by the Sharī’ah. For example, if a man desires to marry a woman, her brother may describe her to him as to aid his decision making. There is no harm in this. This is similar to the permissibility of a suitor looking at the woman in order to continue or terminate a marriage process.

Hence, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) forbade a woman from describing another woman to her husband in graphic details. Other than its impermissibility, it may also harm the wife. This is because if she describes a woman to her husband, he may desire her and end up marrying her, which usually lead to numerous problems between them. This does not mean that a person should avoid marrying many wives because of fear of such problems. This is because polygamy is legislated when a person has the physical, financial, and intellectual capabilities. For such a person, it is legislated for him to marry many wives in order to increase his offspring and (thus increase) the Islāmic Ummah. However, if he is afraid that he will not be just, Allāh – the Mightily and Sublime – said: “And if you know that you shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one or (the slaves) that your right hand possess. That is nearer to prevent you from doing injustice.” [Al-Qurān (4: 3)]

In summary, it is not permissible for a person to describe a woman to a man who is not related to her except for a valid reason approved by the Sharī’ah. An aspect of this is the action of some fools who boast about the beauty of the wives in the presence of their friends and colleagues. He may describe her face, her eyes, her mouth and other body parts in order to justify her attractiveness. This is unlawful because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) has forbidden it.

Allāh alone grants success.

• Reference: [6/539-540, Riyāḍuṣ Ṣāliḥīn, Dārussalām (Eng)]

“Mubashirah” means “meeting of two bodies” and here it signifies that one should not see another person’s body. Here, it is used in its literal as well as metaphorical sense. What it really means is that neither a woman should see the body of any other woman nor should she touch her own body with the body of some other woman, for if she does so, she will come to know the physical qualities of the other woman which she may disclose to her husband. Such disclosures may induce her husband to mischief and eventually ruin her own life. One is allowed, however, to disclose a woman’s charms to a man who intends to marry her.

• Reference: [2/1287-1288, Riyāḍuṣ Ṣāliḥīn, Dārussalām (Eng)]

The aim of this ḥadīth is that a woman is not allowed to describe to her husband the features of another woman, be it the facial appearance, physical build, and or or any other physical feature by such a way as if he may be able to picture her. Because it is possible he may fall in love with her; her features, her beauty and appearance will occupy his heart, or perhaps he will look down at her.

• Reference: [5/156, Sunan at-Tirmidhī, Dārussalām (Eng)]

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Grade: Ṣaḥīḥ (Authentic)