🤍 Character & conduct between spouses · #64
My spouse neglects personal hygiene. Is this a religious issue or just a matter of taste?
It is a religious issue too: cleanliness is part of faith, and smells or dirt that bother a spouse touch on the right to be treated well.
The Prophet ﷺ said that purification is half of faith (Sahih Muslim, Kitab at-Taharah), and he almost made the tooth-stick (siwak) obligatory at every prayer, but for fear of burdening his community (Sahih al-Bukhari 887). Allah loves those who purify themselves (al-Baqarah 2:222). Issues such as body odour, bad breath, smoking, clothes rarely washed or a dirty room are often left unspoken out of embarrassment, but quietly drive hearts apart. Discuss it privately and gently, focusing on specific things rather than insults. Sometimes neglecting oneself is a sign of depression or a health problem; if the change is sudden, ask with concern. See Etiquette between spouses.
The Prophet ﷺ said that purification is half of faith (Sahih Muslim, Kitab at-Taharah), and he almost made the tooth-stick (siwak) obligatory at every prayer, but for fear of burdening his community (Sahih al-Bukhari 887). Allah loves those who purify themselves (al-Baqarah 2:222). Issues such as body odour, bad breath, smoking, clothes rarely washed or a dirty room are often left unspoken out of embarrassment, but quietly drive hearts apart. Discuss it privately and gently, focusing on specific things rather than insults. Sometimes neglecting oneself is a sign of depression or a health problem; if the change is sudden, ask with concern. See Etiquette between spouses.
Sources
Sahih Muslim, Kitab at-TaharahSahih al-Bukhari 887Surah al-Baqarah 2:222