Ruling on reading erotic stories with one’s spouse

 

It is permissible to read erotic stories with one's spouse, with the aim of increasing one’s pleasure?.

Praise be to Allaah.
 

 

Reading erotic stories, even if that is only with one's
spouse, involves many evils including the  following: 

1 – These stories are acquired either by purchasing them or
borrowing them. That is not permitted because it encourages those who print
them, publish them and distribute them. Allaah says (interpretation of the
meaning): “but do not help one another in sin and transgression”
[al-Maa'idah 5:2]. 

2 – These stories are only written by immoral and promiscuous
people. Most of those who write them are kuffaar who pay no attention to
religion, morals or manners in what they write. Reading them is a means to
propagate their deviant ways and bad customs among the people, whether they
realize it or not. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) said: “The likeness of a good companion and a bad one is that of the
one who carries musk and the one who works the bellows. As for the one who
carries musk, either he will give you some or you will buy some from him, or
you will notice a nice smell from him. And as for the one who works the
bellows, either he will burn your clothes or you will notice an unpleasant
smell from him.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5534; Muslim, 2628. 

Al-Haafiz said: This hadeeth indicates that it is forbidden
to sit with those whose company will harm your religious or worldly
interests. Fath al-Baari, 4/410. 

3 – These stories contain lies and exaggerations, and
describe imaginary events which affect the reader in negative ways and make
each partner less content with the other. 

4 – There is no guarantee that these stories will not fall
into the hands of children whose morals will be corrupted and they will be
led astray or they will think badly of their parents. The parents may not be
aware of that, but they will bear the burden of their children’s sin when
regret will be of no avail. 

For these reasons and others it is not permissible to read these stories at all. There is sufficient in what is permissible so that we have no need of that which is haraam; what Allaah has permitted gives sufficient pleasure which Allaah is pleased with and by means of which the individual and the society are protected from the spread of evil and immorality. And Allaah knows best.