Is it disliked for a man to name his wife with terms reserved for his close female relatives?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Zihar

Book 42 · Issue 1 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

It is disliked (*yukrahu*) for a man to call his wife by names reserved for those to whom marriage is forbidden to him, such as 'mother,' 'sister,' or 'daughter.' This ruling is based on the narration by Abu Dawud where a man called his wife 'O my sister' (*Ya Ukhayyah*), and the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, disliked this and forbade it, stating she is his sister. The disliking also stems from the word resembling the expression used in *Zihar* (a form of temporary divorce by declaration).