I have an interesting question – How do you call the wife in Islam? A nice no for a wife works like magic. It is a very effective way to make love and entertainment more exciting in married life.
Do we call our wives by their real names or by other names? What if I call my wife by any other name?
To get the most beautiful and acceptable answer to this question, I can follow the biography of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his wives.
Because Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was the greatest Prophet of all time and the most incredible husband of all time, the way he treated his wives is an example for us because all deeds except his deeds are Sunnah for us.
So, How to call a wife in Islam? To know the answer to this question, we will take the answer from the life of Rasulullah – may Allah bless him and grant him peace.
How do you call a wife in Islam?
Usually, it’s okay to call a wife by her name in Islam. This is the prevailing and acceptable rule in all societies, especially in Muslim communities. Because the Messenger of Allah, may God bless him and grant him peace, used to call his wives by name. There are numerous hadiths where he calls his wives by name. Like Ayesha Umm Habiba Khadija etc.
The way husband and wife call each other by name depends on social customs and environment. In a country or society where addressing me by name is not considered disrespectful and ugly, there is no problem with how to call a wife in Islam. But it should not be reached by name in a society that is considered disrespectful and insulting.
It is not usually considered rude or disrespectful to call one’s wife by name. In all countries and societies, calling one’s wife by name is standard. So, there is no objection to calling my wife’s name.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to call his wives by their names. In different places in the hadith, sentences refer to his wives’ terms.
That is why it is halal for all Muslim men to call their wives by their names. There is no sin or rudeness in it.
The instructions to call the wife by name in hadith
There are some hadiths which clearly prove that calling a wife by her name is permissible in Islam. Some such hadiths are presented below.
Zainab (RA) spoke in front of the Prophet (PBUH) in the name of her husband, Abdullah Ibn Masood (RA) (Bukhari Ha/1462).
Ayesha (RA) said, The Prophet (PBUH) said to me, Ayesha, I understand when you are pleased with me. I said, how can you know? The Prophet (pbuh) said, “When you are happy with me, say, By the Lord of Muhammad!” And when you are unhappy, say, By the Lord of Abraham! Ayesha (RA) said, Yes, yes. By God! O Messenger of God! I never leave your name except in anger’ (Bukhari ha/5228; Muslim ha/2439; Mishkat ha/3245).
When Ibrahim (a.s.) was returning from Makkah after leaving his wife Hajar, she called him by his name from behind and said, “O Ibrahim, where are you going?” (Bukhari ha/3364; Albani, Sahihus Seerah 1/40).
The opinion of the scholars is what the husband should call his wife.
Husband and wife will call each other by honorific names. Especially the husband will respect his wife in all respects. Since the husband’s status is slightly higher than the wife’s in the family, the husband will never call his wife disrespectfully because it shows rudeness and some disrespectful behaviour. It is stated in Fatawa Shami that it is makruh for a son to call his father and for a wife to call her husband by name.
Ibn Abedin Shami (r.a.) explains the statement clearly and says rather, it should be called with a word that means respect. As – O my chief, father of so and so, etc., or will be called in connection with the honorific occupation. For example – Imam Sahib, Doctor Sahib, etc). Because father and husband – both of them have more rights. (Raddul Muhtar Alad-Durril Mukhtar : 06/418)
FAQs
Can you call your wife baby in Islam?
Yes, You can call your wife the baby in Islam. It is lawful to call one’s husband by any name other than his original name. Similarly, it is legal to reach one’s wife by nickname.
The name should be sweet and beautiful. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to call his beloved wife Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) by several names.
For example, ‘Ya Ashu,’ sometimes ‘Ya Aish,’ ‘Ya Bintu Abi Bakr,’ etc. He was also called Humaira. Humaira means – red bird.
This proves that nicknames can be used for one’s wife. So you can call your wife in Islam, baby. But it has to be beautiful, meaningful, and engaging. But if the name has a wrong meaning, it should be avoided.
Can I call my wife’s name in front of others?
If there is a need to mention the wife’s name somewhere, then there is no problem in pronouncing it. There is no problem in taking the husband’s name unnecessarily. But if you take someone’s name while talking to someone without need, it is important to take it with respect. Care should be taken that your disrespect for him should not be revealed to people as a result of repeating his name.
How should I address my wife in Islam?
In Islam, it is recommended to use endearing and respectful terms when addressing your wife. Common words include “wife,” “life partner,” or using her given name with affectionate titles like “my beloved” or “my dear.”
Is there a specific Islamic term for addressing a wife?
While there is no specific term mandated, using kind and gentle words is encouraged. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) set an example of kindness and respect in his interactions with his wives.
Can I use nicknames or pet names for my wife in Islam?
Yes, using affectionate nicknames or pet names is permissible in Islam, as long as they are respectful and do not violate the principles of modesty and decency.
Are there any words or terms to avoid when addressing a wife in Islam?
It is advised to avoid using offensive or disrespectful language. Islam emphasizes the importance of kindness and respect in marital relationships.
Can I express my emotions openly to my wife in Islam?
Yes, Islam encourages open communication and emotional expression between spouses. Respectfully sharing your feelings strengthens the bond between husband and wife.
Are there any specific guidelines for communication in Islam?
Islam encourages honest and respectful communication. Avoiding harsh language, listening attentively, and considering the feelings of your spouse are important aspects of Islamic communication.