Marital Inspiration in Silhouette Images

Shaykh Abdurrahmaan Khan clarifies the use of images for inspiration in marriage.

Would it be permissible to explore different sexual positions by looking at the silhouette of a man and women (only the body shape) in different positions?

Thank you for your question.

The ruling of gazing at any object with desire (shahwah) is haram or impermissible. Viewing sex positions from silhouette images could be done with one of two intentions. 1. With the objective of deriving pleasure from viewing the image and 2. Using the image as a medium towards enhancing sexual relations. Subsequently, sexual relations could be 2.1. conjugal or between spouses or 2.2. fornication or adultery.

Categories 1 and and 2.2 are undoubtedly impermissible. As for category 2.1, the current author feels that it would be permissible based on the maxim that “mediums receive the ruling of the objectives.” The objective here being the enhancement of conjugal relations.

I would further advise that these images only be viewed in the presence of one’ s wife so as to avoid falling into category 1.

And Allah knows best.

Abdurragmaan Khan

Checked and approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani.