Can I Ask My Wife to Delete Her Immodest Photos and Cover Around Family?

Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad

Question

Is it correct to ask my wife to delete the immodest pictures she keeps privately, as I believe it affects modesty? I also requested she stop exposing her stomach and legs to family, but she feels it’s permissible because there is no desire. Am I justified in my concerns about modesty and vanity in this context?

Answer

Thank you for your question. Yes, it is obligatory for her to listen to you, and I pray that she sees the wisdom in doing so. You are simply reiterating the command of Allah (Most High) and His Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace).

Modesty

Islam is a religion of modesty. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Every religion has its distinct characteristic, and the distinct characteristic of Islam is modesty.” [Ibn Maja]

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) passed by a man who was admonishing his brother regarding shyness and was saying, “You are very shy, and I am afraid that might harm you.” On that, Allah’s Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, ‘Leave him, for shyness (modesty) is (a part) of Faith.’” [Bukhari]

Nakedness

She must cover her thighs and stomach around her family members, according to Islamic Law. Please ask her to review the guidelines here:

• A Detailed Exposition of the Fiqh of Covering One’s Nakedness (awra)

Please see the full details of your answer here:

• Is It Permissible for a Husband and Wife to Take Intimate Videos of Each Other?
• Taking Pictures while Naked or Filming Intercourse
• Is It Permissible for a Couple to Take Intimate Videos of Each Other?
• Does a Travelling Husband Have a Right to Ask for Explicit Photos of His Wife?
• What Are My Obligations in Obeying My Husband in the Shafi’i School?
• Do I Have to Obey My Husband in Everything?

May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.
[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin and completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.