🤍 Character & conduct between spouses · #41
My spouse rarely says they love me. Is expressing affection in words encouraged in Islam?
Yes, expressing affection in words is a sunnah, not merely a Western custom.
The Prophet ﷺ said: when a man loves his brother, he should tell him that he loves him (Sunan Abu Dawud 5124). If that is asked between friends, it matters even more between husband and wife. He himself was not shy about his love: when asked who was the most beloved of people to him, he answered ʿAisha (Sahih al-Bukhari 3662). Allah made affection (mawaddah) and mercy (rahmah) between spouses one of His signs (ar-Rum 30:21). Some people were raised without words of affection and are more comfortable showing it through actions; value that form too, while gently asking for what you need. Begin by example, not by demand. See Emotional communication.
The Prophet ﷺ said: when a man loves his brother, he should tell him that he loves him (Sunan Abu Dawud 5124). If that is asked between friends, it matters even more between husband and wife. He himself was not shy about his love: when asked who was the most beloved of people to him, he answered ʿAisha (Sahih al-Bukhari 3662). Allah made affection (mawaddah) and mercy (rahmah) between spouses one of His signs (ar-Rum 30:21). Some people were raised without words of affection and are more comfortable showing it through actions; value that form too, while gently asking for what you need. Begin by example, not by demand. See Emotional communication.
Sources
Sunan Abu Dawud 5124 (sahih)Sahih al-Bukhari 3662Surah ar-Rum 30:21