Is it permissible to kiss, hug, and caress one's wife without undressing, in front of other wives?
Allah legislated rulings as guidance for people. The actions mentioned—a husband kissing and caressing his wife in the presence of his other wives—are reprehensible and ugly, and they contradict the Sharia, chivalry, and modesty. Private marital relations should remain private. The prohibition against discerning children entering upon their parents during times of 'awra (intimacy) is evidence of this, as is the prohibition against disclosing what transpires in the marital bed. This action causes resentment, estrangement between wives, and animosity towards the husband.
Ibn al-Qayyim said: "If a viewer is unsure about the ruling on something—whether it is permissible or forbidden—he should look at its harm, its fruit, and its ultimate goal. If it involves a predominant and apparent harm, then it is impossible for the Lawgiver to command it or permit it. Rather, the knowledge of its prohibition from His law is definitive, especially if it is a path leading to that which angers Allah and His Messenger, bringing one close to it. Those with insight have no doubt about its prohibition."
Ibn Qudamah said: "He should not engage in intercourse where anyone can see them or hear their sounds, nor should he kiss or caress her in front of people. Imam Ahmad said: 'I dislike anything but keeping all of this secret.' Al-Hasan, regarding one who has intercourse while another woman hears, said: 'They disliked 'al-wajs,' which is a faint sound.' And he should not speak about what transpired between him and his family."
Sheikh Muhammad ibn Ibrahim was asked about the ruling on kissing a woman in front of people, and he replied: "This is something impermissible." A husband should adorn himself with the characteristic of modesty and instill it in the souls of his wives and children.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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