Islam highly values romance between husband and wife and our Prophet Muhammad (SAW) exemplified this through his Sunnahs, which foster a deeper connection.
Romance is not limited to physical intimacy in Islam but encompasses various acts of love, kindness, and shared moments that strengthen the bond between couples. It involves treating the spouse with equity, love, and compassion, as demonstrated by the Prophet’s deep affection for Aisha (RA).
Engaging in activities that bring joy and companionship, such as recreation, symbolizes the importance of creating meaningful memories together. Here, we will explore the various aspects of romance in Islam according to the Prophet’s Sunnah.
Romance in Islam: 9 Things to Adopt From the Prophet’s Sunnah
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The romantic teachings that we draw from our Prophet are as follows:
- Spending quality time together and being affectionate
- Feeding her
- Playing with her
- Leaning on her lap
- Bathe together
- Helping with daily chores
- Be kind and generous and acknowledge her efforts
- Praying together
- Sweet talks and gestures
Let’s explore each aspect in detail and see what Islam draws from the exemplary life of our Prophet (S).
1. Spending Quality Time Together and Being Affectionate
One of the most significant aspects of Islamic relationships is expressing love and compassion towards one’s spouse, as demonstrated in the Prophet’s (S) Sunnah.
The Prophet Muhammad (S) spent quality time with his wives, engaging in meaningful conversations and participating in enjoyable activities. By doing so, he (S) strengthened their bond and fostered a deep connection.
Moreover, the Prophet also demonstrated his (S) physical affection towards his wives, which included gentle touches, hugs, and kisses on the forehead. These acts of tenderness conveyed his (S) love and care for his wives and provided them with emotional comfort and reassurance.
According to a Hadith found in Riyad as-Salihin 278, Abu Hurairah (may Allah have mercy on him) narrated: Allah’s Messenger (S) said,
“The believers who show the most perfect Faith are those who have the best behaviour, and the best of you are those who are the best to their wives”.
Another Hadith found in Sunan an-Nasa’i 280, ‘Aishah (RA) narrated: “The Messenger of Allah (S) used to put his mouth on the place where I had drunk from, and he would drink from what was leftover by me, while I was menstruating.”
This Hadith shows the level of intimacy and love between the Prophet (S) and his wife.
2. Feeding Her
The act of feeding one’s wife is one of the romantic Sunnah highlighted by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The Prophet highlighted the reward in spending for Allah’s sake, even if it’s as simple as sharing a morsel with your spouse. In a hadith mentioned in Sahih al-Bukhari 56, Narrated Sa’d bin Abi Waqqas, the Prophet (PBUH) stated:
“You will be rewarded for whatever you spend for Allah’s sake even if it were a morsel which you put in your wife’s mouth.”
This act strengthens the marital bond and earns blessings and rewards from Allah.
3. Playing With Her
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) set an example by engaging in playful activities with his wife, Aisha (RA). One Hadith found in Sunan Ibn Majah 1979, mentions ‘Aishah (RA) said:
“The Prophet raced with me and I beat him.”
There is another hadith in Sunan Abi Dawud 2578, Narrated Aisha (RA): “while she was on a journey along with the Messenger of Allah (S): I had a race with him (the Prophet) and I outstripped him on my feet. When I became fleshy, (again) I had a race with him (the Prophet) and he outstripped me. He said: This is for that outstripping.”
This playful competition showcases the Prophet’s willingness to engage in recreational activities and his ability to find joy in such moments. Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) actions serve as a guide for Muslims to adopt playfulness and recreational activities in their own relationships.
4. Leaning On Her Lap
One way to incorporate romance in Islam in accordance with the Prophet’s Sunnah is by leaning on her lap. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) often leaned on Aisha’s (RA) lap and recited the Qur’an, creating a tender and intimate moment between them.
A Hadith found in Sahih al-Bukhari 297 mentions this activity, narrated by Aisha (RA): “The Prophet (S) used to lean on my lap and recite Qur’an while I was in menses.”
This act of physical closeness and comfort demonstrates the importance of emotional intimacy and building a strong connection in a marital relationship.
5. Bathe Together
Muslim couples can also practice bathing together to emphasize romantic intimacy and closeness in marriage like Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Aisha (RA) did. This act of sharing a bath reflects a level of comfort and openness between couples, fostering a deep connection beyond the physical aspects of the relationship.
In a hadith found in Sahih Muslim 321c, Aisha (RA) reported that: “I and the Messenger (S) took a bath from the same vessel and our hands alternated into it in the state that we had had sexual intercourse.”
This practice allows couples to care for each other physically and creates an atmosphere of trust and vulnerability.
6. Helping With Daily Chores
The Prophet (PBUH) exemplified the importance of shared responsibilities by actively engaging in daily chores with his family. This practice challenges traditional gender roles and promotes a sense of equality and mutual support within the household.
A hadith found in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 538, Al-Aswad said, “I asked ‘A’isha, may Allah be pleased with her, ‘What did the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, do when he was with his family?’ She replied, ‘He would do chores for his family, and when it was time for the prayer, he would go out.'”
Helping with daily chores is seen as a practical expression of affection in Islam, contributing to a harmonious and balanced marital life. It encourages spouses to work together, fostering a strong bond and a sense of unity within the family.
7. Be Kind and Generous and Acknowledge Her Efforts
The Prophet’s (PBUH) teachings encourage kindness, generosity, and acknowledgment of a wife’s efforts as essential aspects of romance.
This includes being considerate of one’s wife’s needs and desires and going out of one’s way to make her feel valued and cherished. Additionally, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught the importance of acknowledging and expressing gratitude for even the smallest efforts made by one’s spouse.
8. Praying Together
Praying together, as per the Prophet’s Sunnah, strengthens the spiritual connection between husband and wife in Islam and their romantic relationship. This practice emphasizes the importance of shared religious rituals and demonstrates a couple’s commitment to their faith and each other.
When couples pray together, they create a space of unity and intimacy where they can express their devotion to Allah and seek the Almighty’s blessings. This act promotes a sense of togetherness and understanding as they strive towards a common spiritual goal.
Additionally, praying for the spouse’s well-being is a gesture of love and concern, showing that the partner values her/his happiness and fulfillment in this life and the hereafter.
9. Sweet Talks and Gestures
Muslim couples can enhance their romantic connection by incorporating sweet talks and gestures inspired by the Prophet’s (S) Sunnah. Our Prophet Muhammad (SAW) set an example by using gentle words, sweet nicknames, and affectionate gestures towards his wives.
One of the ways he (S) expressed his love was by giving his wives endearing names. For instance, he (S) called Aisha ‘Homayraa.’ This practice emphasized the significance of kind words in nurturing a romantic connection.
By adopting this Sunnah, Muslim couples can create a loving atmosphere and strengthen their bond.
Implement the Sunnah for a Romantic and Fulfilling Husband-Wife Relationship
Embracing the romantic teachings from the Prophet’s (S) Sunnahs offers a profound guide for cultivating love and intimacy in marriage.
By expressing love, sharing moments of nourishment, engaging in playful activities, and practicing acts of kindness, couples honor one another. Bathing together, helping with daily chores, and praying together deepen the physical, emotional, and spiritual connection.
The Prophet’s example of spending quality time and using sweet talks and gestures underscores the beauty of romantic companionship in Islam. Follow these Sunnahs, and let the essence of romance in Islam flourish in the marital journey.
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Sources:
https://messageinternational.org/the-sunnah-of-marital-relation-the-prophet-as-the-ideal-spouse/
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