Is it permissible for a man to say to his wife, “O my sister,” with the intention of affection only, or “O my mother”?
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The questioner : The listener, Sa'd al-Dawsari, also asked this question in his inquiries: Is it permissible for a man to say to his wife, “O my sister,” with the intention of affection only, or “O my mother”?
The Shaykh : Yes, it is permissible for him to say to her, “O my sister” and “O my mother,” and the like, from words that establish affection and love. Although some scholars disliked a man addressing his wife with such phrases, there is no basis for this dislike. This is because actions are judged by intentions, and this man did not intend by these words that she is his sister in terms of prohibition or kinship; rather, he intended to be affectionate with her and to endear himself to her. Anything that serves as a cause for affection between the two spouses, whether from the husband or the wife, is a desirable matter. Yes.
The Shaykh : Yes, it is permissible for him to say to her, “O my sister” and “O my mother,” and the like, from words that establish affection and love. Although some scholars disliked a man addressing his wife with such phrases, there is no basis for this dislike. This is because actions are judged by intentions, and this man did not intend by these words that she is his sister in terms of prohibition or kinship; rather, he intended to be affectionate with her and to endear himself to her. Anything that serves as a cause for affection between the two spouses, whether from the husband or the wife, is a desirable matter. Yes.