Closer than a Garment: Marital Intimacy according to the Pure Sunnah

The Muslim Family #2

by Muhammad Mustafa al-Jibaly

Marriage holds a position of perpetual significance because of the central role it plays in human life. It is not surprising, therefore, that the scholars of Islam have discussed it extensively through the ages. Under the contemporary influence of non-Islamic cultures, however, misconceptions have crept into various areas of Islam - spilling into marriage, divorce, and other family-related matters.

Viewing the needs of the Muslims who live in non-Islamic environments, and realizing that most Islamic writings on marriage are restricted in scope, we find quite a large gap that needs to be filled for the benefit of the English-speaking Muslims - which is what we attempt to accomplish over the span of this 4-book- set that covers various aspects of marriage according to the authentic

This unique title covers a number of different aspects in marriage, including human sexuality, Islamic etiquettes of intimacy, prohibited acts of intimacy, ghusl, the 'awrah, zina', birth control, indecent acts, and more. It answers many frequently-asked questions about various acts of intimacy.

Genres: Islam, Marriage, Relationships

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Muhammad Al-Jibali acquired a sound knowledge of Shaykh al-Albanis fiqh and methodology through personal contact with the Shaykh and an extensive study, indexing, and teaching of his works.

He Studied and maintained strong friendship with most of the late Nasir ud-Din al-Albanis prominent students from Syria, Jordan, and other countries (1983 to current).

He has authored many original books and articles in various areas of fiqh, `aqidah, manhaj, da`wah, etc and has lectured at many conferences and seminars, in North America and around the world.

Reviews

[Ummu Auni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was given an excellent review by Ustaz Hasrizal through his blog (http://saifulislam.com). Personally, the book touches important topics briefly. I read this within short span of time. Basically, it covers sexual acts/intimacy in Islam, what's prohibited/not prohibited, birth control, perils of zina, awrah, how to perform ghusl. A must read.

[Lourean Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book on the righteous ways of being intimate with your spouse.

[Momta Ahmed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read three out of four of the books available regarding marriage by this author and I have to say I loved how comprehensive they all were ! It covered many spheres of the marriage life this one as the name suggests focusing on the intimacy but all three of them are very informative. Overall a great read.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd Book in the Muslim Family Series. Has clear chapter demarcations, Qura'anic ayahs and Ahadith as proofs. Very clear, detailed and leaves no room for confusion.
It has 8 chapters:
1)Islamic Etiquette of Intimacy
2)Prohibited acts of Intimacy
3)Ritual Bath (Ghusl)
4)The Awrah
5)The Zina Package
6)Perils of Zina
7)Perversions and Aberrations
8)Birth Control

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Same review as Our Precious Sprouts...

[Nakhati Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Closer than a Garment - Marital Intimacy according to the Pure Sunnah - The second book focuses on the pleasures and sexual responsibilities in marriage. The second on Islamic etiquette of intimacy covers the first four chapters. Then he warns about immoral sexual relations, and advice covers the remaining chapters. I compliment his ability to write matter-of-factly about many difficult sexual problems with a fair and balanced approach.

He states his purpose, "This book is an attempt to brush away many of those deviant ideas that have crept into the Muslims' minds and homes, and to present sexual intimacy as a pure and beneficial element of a Muslim's life."((Muhammad Mustafa Al-Jibaly, Closer than a Garment - Marital Intimacy according to the Pure Sunnah, Arlington: Al-Kitaab & as-Sunnah, 2005, xxii - xxiii.)) However, the book's title is Closer than a Garment, which he never defines nor alludes to the Surah, which states this (Surah 2:187). He jumps into the sexual pleasure of the husband from the get-go, forgetting any garment idea of sharing, which I fear epitomizes many Muslim marriages.

Al-Jibaly often pairs Arabic and translations to help English readers. In one section (45), he mentions bathing together and when it is acceptable. This can sometimes become a point of contention for Westerners married to a Muslim man.

[Haseeb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice Boookkk

[MOHAMMED Faheem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book for muslims