| Author | Muhammad al-Jibaly |
| Binding | Paperback |
| Pages | 168 |
| Size | 7x10x0.4" (17x24x1cm) |
| Edition | 2nd, Revised |
| Weight (lbs) | 0.72 |
Closer Than a Garment: Marital Intimacy According to the Pure Sunnah by Muhammad al-Jibaly is one of the most comprehensive and authentic Islamic books on marital intimacy, family life, and the rights and responsibilities of spouses according to the Qur'an and the authentic Sunnah. As the second volume in the acclaimed Muslim Family Series, this revised edition addresses many of the sensitive questions that Muslim couples often hesitate to ask, presenting practical guidance with scholarly evidence while preserving the modesty, dignity, and morality that Islam commands.
Drawing upon authentic narrations, classical scholarship, and a sound understanding of Islamic jurisprudence, the author explains that marriage is not merely a social contract but an act of worship designed to establish tranquility, mercy, affection, and righteousness between husband and wife. The title itself reflects Allah's beautiful description of spouses in the Qur'an: ﴿ هُنَّ لِبَاسٌ لَّكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ لِبَاسٌ لَّهُنَّ ﴾ "They are clothing for you, and you are clothing for them" (Al-Baqarah 2:187), emphasizing love, protection, comfort, privacy, and mutual support within the marital relationship.
Unlike many contemporary books that discuss marriage only from a cultural perspective, Closer Than a Garment approaches every topic through the authentic teachings of Islam as understood by Ahlus Sunnah wal-Jama'ah. It provides balanced answers to modern-day questions faced by Muslim families living in both Muslim and non-Muslim societies while correcting common misconceptions influenced by cultural practices and modern ideologies.
The book explores a broad range of important topics, including the Islamic etiquette of marital intimacy, emotional and physical rights of spouses, lawful and prohibited intimate acts, the proper manners before and after intimacy, ritual purification (ghusl), the rulings concerning the 'awrah, family planning and birth control, zina and its dangers, indecent behavior, modesty, and frequently asked questions regarding intimate relations. Every discussion is supported with authentic evidence, making this work a reliable reference for Muslim husbands, wives, newlyweds, marriage counselors, students of knowledge, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Islamic family life.
Muhammad al-Jibaly writes with clarity, compassion, and scholarly precision, addressing sensitive subjects respectfully while remaining firmly grounded in authentic Islamic sources. Rather than avoiding difficult issues, he provides practical solutions that strengthen marital harmony, protect spouses from sin, and encourage healthy communication built upon mutual respect and taqwa.
This revised second edition remains one of the most recommended English-language resources on Islamic marital intimacy. It serves as an invaluable guide for engaged couples preparing for marriage, newly married spouses seeking authentic guidance, and established families wishing to strengthen their relationship according to the Sunnah.
