Question
I wanted to ask the respected scholar to clear the confusion about the issue of looking at the private parts of the spouse. Some of the scholars are of the view that looking at these private parts is allowed but disliked. They use terms like disliked, discouraged or better not to look. But the noble verse of the Quran clearly states that, interpretation of the meaning, “And those who guard their chastity. Except from their wives or that their right hands possess, for then, they are free from blame.” This verse as you know is a general statement which includes touching, looking, interacting. This noble verse is even clear enough for an illiterate person to understand. Secondly, as you know there is no authentic Hadith that forbids looking or mentions the word disliked etc. Whereas the Hadiths which are authentic clearly states that there is no awrah between spouses. If spouses are encouraged to touch, fondle, caress each others entire body, how come they are discouraged to look. As this doesn’t makes any sense to a sane person. If bashfulness is the notion here in discouragement for looking, then I don’t think so that it would be easy to conduct the actual act of intimacy. Because revealing private parts to spouse would be much easier then actually doing the intercourse with them. It is just like forbidding something that’s allowed to us. I understand modesty should prevail at all times but from the Noble Verses and the Hadiths, one clearly understands that in case of spouses, there is an exception. If it was considered something haram or disliked, then it would have been clearly mentioned just like it’s mentioned about intercourse during menses etc. I’m seeking your answer as to why most scholars give these opinions without sound backup. I would be eagerly awaiting your answer to my question, in order for me to get to the right conclusion. Thank you.
Answer
There is nothing in the Shari’ah (Islamic Law) that prohibits a husband and wife from looking at each other erotically. The quoted verse does not relate to looking or touching or interacting; rather, it is a command that a person not have sexual intercourse with anyone except to a person he is rightfully joined with.
As it regards why other scholars give certain opinions and how they do it is something beyond the scope of our reply.
I hope I have clarified the issue.
God knows best.