Pleasing One’s Spouse

QUESTION:

Is it permissible to engage in anything disliked by Allah Ta’ala in order to please your spouse?

ANSWER:

We need to remember that Allah Ta’ala is our Owner and Creator, and Allah Ta’ala is the One Who has gifted us our spouses. So, our duty is to please our spouse as long as it is not displeasing to our sole Creator and Owner. Allah Ta’ala says in the Quran Majeed:

وَإِنْ جَاهَدَاكَ عَلَىٰ أَنْ تُشْرِكَ بِي مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِ عِلْمٌ فَلَا تُطِعْهُمَا ۖ وَصَاحِبْهُمَا فِي الدُّنْيَا مَعْرُوفًا وَاتَّبِعْ سَبِيلَ مَنْ أَنَابَ إِلَيَّ ۚ ثُمَّ إِلَيَّ مَرْجِعُكُمْ فَأُنَبِّئُكُمْ بِمَا كُنْتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ

“But if they strive to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, then do not obey them; but accompany them in [this] world with appropriate kindness and follow the way of those who turn back to Me [in repentance]. Then to Me will be your return, and I will inform you about what you used to do.”

(Surah Luqman, 31:15)

Nabi Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam is reported to have said:

لَا طَاعَةَ لِمَخْلُوقٍ فِي مَعْصِيَةِ اللَّهِ

“There is no obedience to the creation in disobedience to the Creator.”

(Musnad Ahmad – Sahih)

From the above, we come to know that pleasing the spouse is encouraged only within the framework of Shari‘ah.

ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Abdur Rahman Abdur Razak

Date: 04 Dhul Qa’dah 1446 / 03 May 2025

CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:

Mufti Yacoob Vally Saheb