Hugging is a gesture often seen as an expression of affection and warmth. It’s a common form of physical contact in many cultures, often exchanged between friends, family members, and couples. But in between future couples or non-mahram persons, is it haram to hug before marriage in Islam?
In the context of Islam, hugging between individuals of the opposite gender before marriage is considered haram, which means it is strictly forbidden. The Quran and hadiths guide maintaining chastity and avoiding physical intimacy with non-mahram individuals (those with whom marriage is permissible).
Several Quranic verses and hadiths emphasize the importance of modesty and avoiding actions that can lead to sin.
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We will discuss the reasons why hugging before marriage is regarded as haram in Islam. In addition, we’ll talk about what Muslims should do if they find themselves in a situation like this.
Why Is It Haram to Hug Before Marriage in Islam?
There are several key points to understand regarding why hugging before marriage is considered haram in Islam.
- Preservation of chastity and purity
- Prohibition of Zina
- Avoiding temptation
- Maintaining the sanctity of marriage
Check out the reasons according to Quranic verses and hadiths so that you can prevent and avoid this Haram behavior.
1. Preservation of Chastity and Purity
Hugging is considered haram before marriage in Islam due to its potential to compromise the preservation of chastity and purity. Islam strongly emphasizes the importance of guarding one’s modesty and avoiding any actions that might lead to sin.
Physical intimacy is reserved for the marital relationship, as stated in the Quranic verse Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:5-6). Allah states:
“Those who guard their chastity, except with their wives or those (bond women) in their possession, for then they are free from blame.”
This verse emphasizes that individuals should only be physically intimate with their spouses. Hugging, being an intimate physical act, can easily lead to further physical intimacy, which isn’t permissible before marriage.
Islam encourages individuals to control their desires and refrain from engaging in any actions that may lead to immoral behavior.
2. Prohibition of Zina
Zina refers to illicit sexual relations and is seen as one of the gravest sins in Islam. The Quran explicitly forbids it in Surah Al-Isra (17:32), stating,
- “And do not approach adultery, indeed adultery is an abominable act and an evil path (that brings destruction).”
Engaging in any form of physical intimacy before marriage, including hugging, is seen as a precursor to Zina, which is why Islam strictly prohibits such acts.
According to one hadith regarding Zina, Ma’qil ibn Yasar reported: The Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), said,
“For a nail of iron to be driven in the head of one of you would be better for him than to touch a woman who is not lawful for him.” The source of this hadith is al-Mu’jam al-Kabir, 16910.
This hadith serves as a clear guideline and warning against physical contact with non-mahram individuals. It emphasizes the seriousness of maintaining boundaries to avoid sinful behavior. Any relationship in Islam before marriage is prohibited between a man and a woman.
In another hadith, Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Apostle as saying:
“Allah has decreed for every son of Adam his share of zina, which he will inevitably commit. The zina of the eyes is looking, the zina of the tongue is speaking, one may wish and desire, and the private parts confirm that or deny it.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
3. Avoiding Temptation
Islam acknowledges the natural attraction between men and women and encourages strict boundaries in interactions between unrelated individuals.
The Quran advises modesty and lowering the gaze in Surah An-Nur (24:30-31):
“O Prophet! Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity. That is purer for them. Surely Allah is All-Aware of what they do.”
And tell the believing women to lower their gaze, guard their chastity, and not reveal their adornments except what normally appears. Let them draw their veils over their chests and not reveal their ˹hidden˺ adornments except to mahram person.
Let them not stomp their feet, drawing attention to their hidden adornments. Turn to Allah in repentance all together, O believers, so that you may be successful.”
It is important to understand that hugging can create an emotional attachment between two people, leading to an increased desire for physical intimacy.
As such, Islam encourages avoiding any behavior that might lead to sin. You can maintain purity and build a relationship based on emotional and mental compatibility by refraining from hugging and other physical acts before marriage as a Muslim.
4. Maintaining the Sanctity of Marriage
Hugging before marriage is considered haram in Islam as it helps maintain the sanctity of the marital union.
Islam views marriage as a sacred and honorable institution that should only allow physical intimacy within its bounds. Muslims are encouraged to enter into marriage with purity and sincerity by avoiding physical contact.
By avoiding physical intimacy before marriage, Muslims can ensure that the purity and sanctity of marriage remain intact, preserving the bond of love between the couple.
The Quran emphasizes the sanctity of marriage in Surah Ar-Rum (30:21):
“And of His Signs is that He has created mates for you from your own kind that you may find peace in them and He has set between you love and mercy.”
Engaging in physical intimacy before marriage would undermine the sanctity of the marital relationship and may lead to a breakdown of trust and respect between the couple.
What should Muslims do if they have hugged before marriage?
If you have hugged before marriage, it’s important to acknowledge the mistake and take steps to rectify the situation.
In Islam, seeking forgiveness from Allah is of utmost importance. Begin by sincerely repenting and turning to Allah, seeking His forgiveness and guidance. Recognize the wrongdoing, feel remorseful for it, and firmly intend not to repeat the sin.
The Quran reassures believers that Allah is All-Forgiving and Most Merciful, willing to replace evil deeds with good for those who sincerely repent.
In Surah Al-Furqan (25:70), Allah declares,
“As for those who repent, believe, and do good deeds, they are the ones whose evil deeds Allah will change into good deeds. For Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
Furthermore, it’s crucial to avoid such situations in the future and uphold the principles of modesty and chastity in line with Islamic teachings.
Refrain from physical intimacy with non-mahram individuals and maintain the boundaries Islam sets to prevent sinful behavior.
Seek knowledge and guidance from Islamic scholars to strengthen your understanding and commitment to avoiding such actions in the future.
Stay Away from Hugging Before Marriage: Uphold the Principles of Chastity in Islam
Quranic verses and hadiths clearly answer the question, “Is it haram to hug before marriage in Islam?”.
The prohibition of hugging before marriage is deeply rooted in the principles of preserving chastity, avoiding temptation, and upholding the sanctity of marriage. Islam encourages believers to maintain modesty and self-control, safeguarding themselves from sinful behavior.
If you have erred and hugged before marriage, remember that sincere repentance is the path to seeking Allah’s forgiveness. Seek guidance from knowledgeable sources and commit to upholding the values of purity and righteousness in your journey toward a lawful and blessed marital union.
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