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Do Spouses Share Hygiene and Cleanliness Rights in Islam?

20 November, 2025
Q Is it obligatory upon each of the spouses to maintain cleanliness, good appearance, and to avoid unpleasant odors that may repel the other, such as those caused by certain foods like garlic or onion? If it is established that a wife should refrain from what harms or repels her husband, does this ruling apply equally to the husband toward his wife? And what is the juristic basis for determining whether these marital rights are reciprocal?

Answer

Sheikh Ahmad Kutty
20 November, 2025

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. 

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

In this fatwa:

In Islam, cleanliness and avoiding unpleasant odors are mutual obligations between spouses. Both husband and wife are required to act with kindness and consideration, avoiding anything that causes discomfort or harm to the other.

Responding to your question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and an Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states:

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Mutual Rights and Kind Treatment Between Spouses in Islam

Islam encourages spouses to embody mutual love, respect, and care. The Quran  states, {They (wives) have rights similar to those over them, in kindness.} (Al-Baqarah 2:228)

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) affirmed, “The best of you are those who are best to their wives” (At-Tirmidhi).

Kindness, patience, and respect are obligations for both partners, not mere favors.

Cleanliness and Avoiding Harmful Odors as a Shared Obligation

Cleanliness and consideration are essential for both individuals. Advice on avoiding unpleasant odors or preparing for intimacy applies equally to husbands and wives.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) valued cleanliness and disdained foul smells, declaring, “Cleanliness is half of faith” (Muslim).

Maintaining good hygiene, fresh breath, and a thoughtful appearance is a shared responsibility.

Islam Rejects Double Standards in Marital Responsibilities

Islam rejects double standards. Both spouses are responsible for fostering comfort, respect, and affection; neglect that leads to distress contradicts Islamic principles.

Communication should remain gentle and open, with each partner supporting the other in developing good habits. Issues should be addressed with kindness rather than blame. Allah “placed between you affection and mercy” (Ar-Rum 30:21).

May your marriage be characterized by cleanliness, compassion, and tranquility.

Explore more Islamic rulings here:

Almighty Allah knows best.

About Sheikh Ahmad Kutty
Sheikh Ahmad Kutty is a Senior Lecturer and an Islamic Scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada